The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned new sets of facilities in its units at Makurdi, Benue State, and Benin City, Edo State, as part of efforts to enhance its operational effectiveness and service delivery. Some of the newly commissioned projects were named after deceased personnel who died in the ongoing counterinsurgency operation in the country’s North-East. Those honoured were Flight Lieutenant Ebitimi Owei and Flight Sergeant Awodi Emmanuel Adakole, who died on October 10, 2015 and August 25, 2015 respectively.

The newly provided facilities in Makurdi include a Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) with 2,000,000 litres capacity, crew/briefing room for F-7Ni pilots, 12 units of 3-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and sporting facilities for the use of NAF personnel, family members and host community. Also, a block of 4 units of 3-bedroom flats was commissioned for officers serving at the 81 Air Maritime Group, Benin.

Speaking at the commissioning of the facilities, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, has called on the beneficiaries of the new facilities to reciprocate the gesture by the Federal Government, who made the necessary funds available for the projects, by rededicating themselves to their duties. Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the personnel that “the whole essence of government’s commitment to their welfare is to bring out the best in them.”

He therefore urged them “to remain selfless and committed in the pursuit of their assigned statutory duties.”

The CAS was represented at both occasions by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum.

•Photo shows Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.