As part of efforts towards uplifting and upgrading the various facilities in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operational units, the Chief of the Air Staff,
Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has commissioned some projects at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja and 041 Communications Depot, Shasha, in Lagos state.
The commissioning of the projects are aimed at addressing the acute shortage of accommodation that has so far being experienced by personnel and also, improve the wellbeing of personnel and their families with a view to motivating them for optimal performance.
Commissioning the Projects, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Lawal Alao, stated that the construction and furnishing of the new residential accommodation as well as the renovation of existing ones, would add to the comfort and welfare of air personnel as a conducive working environment improve productivity.
According to the CAS, in pursuance of the resolve to reposition the NAF, “we embarked on a comprehensive infrastructural development campaign which involved the construction and furnishing of new NAF Hospitals and schools as well as the renovation and expansion of existing ones in virtually all NAF Bases including Kaduna, Bauchi, Ibadan and Lagos, where a new secondary school was commissioned at Shasha on 14 June 2017 and would commence academic activities this September”.
The CAS reiterated the resolve of the NAF to continue to effectively motivate personnel for effective employment of air power in counterinsurgency operations in the North East and other theatres of operations.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal IJ Yahaya, said the fact that another set of projects was being commissioned in Lagos, in quick succession, is a testimony to the dogged determination of the CAS to rapidly develop infrastructure in the NAF with a view to improving personnel welfare and spurring them towards enhanced service delivery. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of keys to some beneficiaries.
The projects commissioned include: a 48 x 1-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) transit accommodation, named after late Sergeant Karatu LA, as well as an entrance archway and a photo stand at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja while at the 041 Communications Depot, Shasha, a newly constructed block of 18 x 2-bedroom SNCOs’ accommodation as well as a Corporals and below Club, built for the recreation of airmen, were commissioned.