NAF @61: Tinubu to Commission New Augusta 109S Trekker Helicopters, Launch Quick Impact Projects
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will officially induct the newly acquired Augusta 109S Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Order of Battle on Friday, May 16, 2025.
The induction ceremony will take place at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of NAF’s fleet.
In addition to the helicopter induction, the President is also expected to inaugurate several Quick Impact Projects across various NAF operational theatres.
Among these is a clinic built for the Rukubi community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State—an area affected by a tragic airstrike in January 2023 that claimed civilian lives.
The announcement was made by Air Commodore Sylvester Asuquo Eyoma, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the NAF’s 61st Anniversary Celebrations, during a press briefing at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.
He disclosed that the anniversary event would include the Fourth African Air Forces Forum, slated to take place in Lagos, with participation expected from over 30 air forces, 12 Chiefs of Air Staff, and 45 exhibitors including global defence and aerospace companies such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, and Nigeria’s own Proforce.
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He said: “President Tinubu will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the induction event on May 16. Additionally, more than 2,000 participants are expected at the Air Forces Conference and Exhibitions on May 22 and 23 in Lagos.”
Other anniversary events will span from medical outreaches across six field commands to a Research and Development (R&D) competition at the NAF Base in Asokoro, Abuja.
NAF will also sign MoUs with Lagos State University for collaborative R&D and with NASENI for technology acquisition and development.
On May 18, inter-denominational services will hold across NAF units, followed by a high-level Colloquium on Space Technology Development on May 19. At the colloquium, an MoU will be signed with the Space Development Centre of the University of Bradford, UK.
The weeklong celebration will culminate with a seminar and reunion dinner on May 20, reflecting on NAF’s 61-year transformation in structure, personnel, and operational capabilities.
Air Commodore Eyoma emphasized that the theme of this year’s celebration is “Optimizing Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations.”
He added that the Air Force has played a key role in national security, especially in tackling insurgency and terrorism through precision airstrikes and advanced surveillance, contributing significantly to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
By PRNigeria
