NAF Establishes Covid-19 Emergency Management Centre

NAF Establishes Covid-19 Emergency Management Centre

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has converted the Accident and Emergency Unit at the 063 NAF Hospital (NAFH) in Abuja to a COVID-19 Management Centre. The well-equipped Accident and Emergency Unit, which was constructed and commissioned in 2019 by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has been further upgraded with necessary medical equipment as part of facilities designated in the Armed Forces COVID-19 Response Team’s contribution to the National Response. The NAF, in addition, has also equipped and put on standby the newly-built 100-bunk Students’ Hostel at the Air Force Girls’ Comprehensive School (AFGCS) Abuja as an additional Management Centre, in the event of an upsurge in cases.

Speaking shortly after inspecting the 2 facilities today, 19 June 2020, the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, lauded the NAF’s leadership for converting and donating such superb facilities as part of its contribution to the Armed Forces Response Team’s plan, noting that the gesture would go a long way towards improving the overall effectiveness of the National Response to the Pandemic. The Minister also acknowledged and thanked the NAF for the recent donation of additional 30 cylinders of liquid oxygen to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, disclosing that part of the oxygen had been deployed at the Asokoro Management Centre. He however used the occasion to solicit for the provision of additional quantity of oxygen from the NAF due to the high demand, especially at the Lagos Management Centres.

Speaking further, Dr Ehanire, while describing the NAF as a strategic establishment, praised the Service for sustaining the production of clinical oxygen from its Liquid Oxygen Plant in Yola and equally commended the recent reconfiguration of a C-130H aircraft to serve as an air ambulance for Aeromedical Evacuation, whenever the need arises. He concluded by appreciating the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their responsiveness in providing necessary support to deal with the COVID-19 Emergency.

On his part, the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), who was represented by the Director of Health Services, Mrs Akinlade Oluwatoyin, expressed the readiness of the MOD to partner with the National Emergency Response Team in the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic which, he noted, informed the decision to emplace proactive measures to curb its spread in the Armed Forces. The Minister also commended the CAS for making the facilities available in sufficient time as well as with adequate equipment to meet the required standards of a COVID-19 Management Centre.

Also present at the occasion were the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Leo Irabor, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; the NAF Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, who represented the CAS, as well as other dignitaries from the 2 Ministries, the AFN and allied Parastatals.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
19 June 2020
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86 NAF PERSONNEL GRADUATE FROM VARIOUS COURSES AT MILITARY TRAINING CENTRE, AS NAF ACTIVATES INSTITUTE OF ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed the training of another set of 86 personnel on sundry courses at the Military Training Centre (MTC), Kaduna, culminating in a combined Graduation Ceremony which took place today, 19 June 2020, at the Shittu Alao Auditorium, MTC. The day’s graduands comprised: 9 officers who completed the Initial Personnel Administrative Management Officers’ Course; 53 airmen from the Integrated Basic Clerical Course and 24 personnel of the Basic Physical Education Course, whose capacities have been enhanced for more effective and efficient service delivery. This is coming just as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed the activation of the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) in Sokoto.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the CAS, represented by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Idris, stated that a lot had been done over the past 5 years to address the challenges of the NAF in the aspect of capacity building, noting that the Service embarked on massive training of aircrew and non-aircrew personnel, both in Nigeria and abroad, across all specialties and trades. According to him, the current NAF administration also embarked on infrastructural development through the execution of over 900 projects, which included the provision of additional housing, schools, hospitals, operational and recreational facilities as well as upgrade of existing infrastructure. This, he said, has resulted in the accommodation of over 7,500 families.

The CAS stated further that in the continuing effort to consistently reposition the Service for efficient service delivery, he had directed the activation of the NAFIAM in Sokoto State. The activation of NAFIAM, he remarked, would address the deficiencies in manpower development and career progression in the Administration-related specialties, with attendant positive impact on service delivery. He implored personnel to uphold the high standard of discipline the NAF is known for and support the Federal Government’s efforts by ensuring adherence to various guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. “I urge you to avoid unnecessary gatherings, ensure you wear a face mask and observe social and physical distancing when in public places. We must also shun unnecessary inter-state movements,” the CAS said.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commandant MTC, Air Commodore Aliyu Bello, thanked the CAS for the policy guidance and the infrastructural development efforts that had empowered the Centre to sustain its excellent performance and output for the NAF. He added that, rather than rest on its oars, the Centre would undoubtedly continue to deliver the training of quality manpower to meet the NAF’s aspirations. As part of the Graduation Ceremony, awards were presented to graduands who had distinguished themselves in learning and character during the various courses.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
19 June 2020