The Nigeria Airforce has stated that the major milestones it recorded was the successful training of 164 officers and 2,916 airmen/airwomen from January to December 2022.
The Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, GTC, Enugu, Ibikunle Daramola, made this known while addressing officers at a ceremony to mark the Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA), an age long military tradition conducted annually to mark the end of activities for the year.
Daramola used the opportunity to appreciate all the commanders, officers, airmen/airwomen and civilian staff of the Ground Training Command and co-located units here in Enugu for their efforts towards the success recorded during the year.
“There is no gain saying the fact that we couldn’t have attained the heights we have reached without your individual and collective contributions. I urge you to continue to put in your best to ensure the security of a united Nigeria. We must all continue to be professional in the discharge of our duties, whilst remaining apolitical and totally dedicated to the safety, security and well- being of all Nigerians, “ Daramola noted.
The Air Officer Commanding also appreciated the Enugu State Government for their support to the Ground Training Command.
“His Excellency provided funds for the installation of a new transformer to power the water treatment plant recently installed,” Daramola said.
The governor of Enugu state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented at the occasion by Professor Simeon Ortuanya, Secretary to State Government, emphasised the need for Nigerians to appreciate the effort of the military in combating insurgency.
“As we celebrate Nigeria’s culture in this relaxed ambience, let us not forget the inestimable contribution of our Armed Forces in upholding the national integrity of this great nation. Today our troops are involved in several internal security operations around the country. | must commend them for their commitment, dedication and discipline which have been their hallmark in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria,” Ugwuanyi said.
“I would like to use this occasion to appreciate them for their sacrifices to our fatherland and their contributions to the sustenance of peace in Enugu state, the South East and Nigeria at large. They have displayed an uncommon loyalty, resilience, bravery and patriotism in ensuring peace in the country. Their gallantry will continue to be our source of inspiration, as they strive daily, even amidst discomfort, to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”
“I am aware that today’s event is a military tradition that seeks to offer an opportunity for Nigerian Air Force personnel and their families to interact among themselves and with the civil populace inhabiting their host community”
“Occasions such as this, gives us the opportunity to appreciate the families of our personnel for being supportive and caring for the home-front, while their loved ones are engaged in the frontline. | salute your resilience and pray that your efforts shall never be in vain,” the governor said.
“The governor promised to continuously support the military. On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, | pledge to continue supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties,” Ugwuanyi stated.
The ceremony witnessed presentation of awards to some deserving non-commissioned officers, presentation of awards to best dancing cultural troops, and pulling of the rope by able bodied men.
Dignitaries that graced the ceremony included the state Commissioner of Police, state Director DSS, and the Garrison Commander, 103 battalion, Akunanaw, Enugu amongst others.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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