In line with activities airmarked for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 60th anniversary celebration, special interdenominational church services were held today, Sunday, 19 May 2024, across NAF units nationwide. 

In Abuja, the commemorative service was held at theSt Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Bill Clinton Drive, NAF Base, Abuja. The church service, which attracted a large turnout of Christian faithfuls including NAF personnel, was held to appreciate God for His mercies over the NAF and for all the numerous successes the service has continued to record in all its operations in spite of contemporary challenges. 

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, stated that the NAF had every reason to be grateful to God, based on its significant contributions to national security in the last 60 years. The CAS also noted that the 60th anniversary celebration presents a unique opportunity for personnel not only to celebrate but also reflect on the need to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the nation is secured and conducive for all citizens to carry out their legitimate businesses.

Air Marshal Abubakar then assured NAF personnel that his administration would continue to work assidiously to ensure that they have the required equipment and resources to discharge their duties effectively. He then reminded them of the need to continually add value to the service for effective and efficient service delivery towards enhancing national security. 

Speaking further, the CAS noted that the NAF had witnessed tremendous growth in terms of human capacity development, personnel welfare, serviceable platforms, robust logistics support and expansion, amongst others, to meet the demands of national security. 

In his sermon, the Chaplain of the NAF Protestant Church, Abuja, Air Cdre (Rev Dr) Dogo Gani implored all Nigerians to return to the path of God in order to get it right, stating that there was no difficulty or problem that God could not solve. “We shall overcome the challenges facing the nation if we return back to God,” the chaplain said. The NAF, he noted, remains one of the key components of Nigeria's national security, whose role can not be overemphasized. According to him, the NAF had written its name in gold with great impact in restoring peace both within and outside the nation, noting that the greater impact is yet to come. 

Intercessory prayers were later offered for the nation, the NAF leadership and personnel and those involved in the counterinsurgency operation and other internal security operations across the country as well as families of personnel who had paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation.