Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Edem (Rtd) on Wednesday applauded the contributions of the Nigerian Air force in tackling the security challenges facing the country in recent times.
Edem, who made the commendation during the inauguration of residential accommodation for principal officers of the Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air force in Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital noted that welfare was critical to boosting morale of officers and airmen.
Edem observed that the efforts of the Nigerian Air force in the fight against renewed militancy in the Niger Delta and insurgency in the Niger Delta had earned the respect and accolades for the Air force.
Six units of two bedroom apartments were inaugurated by Essien who was the guest of honour, assisted by representative of the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, Air Vice Marshall James Gbum.
Speaking at the occasion, Gbum noted that the Chief of Air staff remained committed to transforming the Nigerian Air force into a professional and disciplined one with priority for the welfare among the officers and airmen.
He noted that the leadership of the Nigerian Air force was embarking on similar projects across its formations in the country using the direct labour approach to save cost.
In his remarks, Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshall S. I. Onu noted that the provision residential accommodation was in continuation of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the command.
He recalled that the command had hosted the Chief of Air Staff in September 2016 who inaugurated eight blocks of building at the mini air force base in Yenagoa, stressing that the additional facility was a boost to the command.
He urged the principal officers to redouble efforts and show more commitment to duty to justify the efforts of the air force in providing a conducive work and residential environment.