Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has commenced the construction and equipping of an aircraft maintenance hangar at 231 Helicopter Overhaul Depot, Nigeria Air Force Base, Bauchi.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Tuesday, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi state commended the NAF for observing decorum and maintenance of its facilities.
Governor Bala pledged to connect the NAF Bauchi Base to National Grid as part of his support to the force.
He apologised to the Chief of Air Staff for the inability of the present and past administrations in the state to connect the base with the National grid and pledged to take it as a challenge.
Governor Bala said in appreciation for the sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces, the state government will continue to support them to perform optimally.
He said the construction of the hanger will go a long way towards supporting various operations in the entire North and enhance internal security operations in Bauchi state in particular.
“It is a thing of joy that, Bauchi State will benefit from this project during and on completion by offering employment to many. In line with this, my administration will continue to support the Special Operations Command and Nigerian Air Force.
“The success and performance of Nigerian Air Force are determined by how well its aircraft is maintained and sheltered, therefore it is indeed a good opportunity to be part of this epoch-making event,” the Governor said.
He recalled that the Nigerian Air Force had involved in numerous operations to restore security across the country with commendable results and acknowledged the supreme sacrifice of gallant troops at ensuring the unified existence of the country.
“Let me use this platform to celebrate our own brother, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, Bauchi State is proud to produce and present to the nation this combat flying officer of repute. His tenure is changing the face of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support to security agencies in the ongoing operations against Boko Haram, banditry, and other criminality in the country by equipping them.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar said the strategic location of Bauchi state provides the force with the opportunity to support and response to the fight against terrorism and insurgency across the country.
Air Marshal Sadiq expressed optimism that the construction of the aircraft maintenance hangar will add value to the effort of the Nigerian Air Force at tackling security challenges.
He said the hangar will therefore ensure a quick turn around time for the aircraft to have more hours of operations against terrorists and in support of other government’s efforts at providing security and other services to the citizens.
“I want to use this medium to express gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for providing land for the construction of this important project.”
“We are further propelled by the support and goodwill of the good people of Bauchi State and all Nigerians to the Nigerian Air Force, to do more for our nation. Our loyalty and service to the nation must always be our motivation,” the Marshal said.
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