The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel, declaring it “non-negotiable” as he commissioned nine newly renovated accommodation blocks at NAF Base, Kano.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday by NAF Director Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa.
According to the statement, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the renovated blocks had previously been among the most dilapidated structures on the Kano Base, having gone without renovation since its establishment.
He pointed out that recognising the urgent need for improved living conditions, the NAF prioritised their refurbishment to provide dignified housing for its officers, airmen, and airwomen.
According to him, “Today marks another significant milestone in our journey towards infrastructural renewal in the Nigerian Air Force. When personnel return from demanding missions, they deserve living conditions that reflect the value we place on their service. These accommodations are not just buildings; they symbolize our unwavering commitment to the welfare of our personnel.”
The statement explained that the newly commissioned accommodations included 30 one-bedroom Single Officers’ Quarters (SOQ) and 60 two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCO) Quarters.
It added that the CAS urged beneficiaries to occupy and maintain the facilities responsibly, to ensure their long-term optimal sustainability.
It further explained that apart from the completed renovations, the CAS also took time to inspect ongoing developmental projects at the NAF Base Kano.
According to it, “These projects include; a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre at the NAF Hospital, which will provide top-tier orthopaedic and trauma care services to NAF personnel and civilians alike, as well as a world-class Vocational Centre, designed to enhance skill acquisition for personnel and their families.
“Other ongoing projects inspected include the modernised Military Airport Commandant Office at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, aimed to improve operational efficiency, as well as two additional blocks of six two-bedroom apartments for officers, to further reduce the accommodation deficit.
“In addition, the CAS noted that approval had also been given for another 30-unit accommodation block for NCOs, with contractors already mobilised to the site. He emphasized that these initiatives align with the broader strategy of systematic infrastructural development across all NAF bases, including improvements in healthcare, education, and career development programmes.”
It added that Air Marshal Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the welfare of military personnel, which had been instrumental in advancing infrastructural development across NAF bases.
The CAS also thanked the National Assembly for their firm support of the NAF, assuring of the Service’s commitment to national security and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement added that in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to the CAS, for his relentless determination to enhance the welfare of NAF personnel, in line with his transformational Command Philosophy.
The AOC further emphasized that the provision of the accommodation demonstrates the administration’s dedication to providing a conducive living and working environment. This is in consonance with the fifth key enabler of the CAS Command Philosophy, maintaining a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal.
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