The Nigerian Air Force’s Training Command and other collated units in Kaduna marked the end of 2024 with a socio-cultural event (BASA) aimed at strengthening social bonds among personnel, their families, and friends.
The event held at the Military Training Centre Parade Ground, NAF Base, Kaduna on Saturday, featured cultural displays, musical performances, and other regimental activities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
In his speech, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, pledged his administration’s continued support for the Nigerian Air Force in its efforts to ensure peace and stability in the state.
Governor Sani commended the NAF for promoting unity and cultural diversity, saying “this event demonstrates the significance of our diverse cultural heritage as witnessed today.”
The Governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. James Atung Kanyip, also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of security agencies in ensuring peace and stability in the state.
He urged all security agencies to “remain vigilant and sustain the onslaught against bad elements in the state.”
He expressed his gratitude to the entire personnel of the NAF in Kaduna State for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of military operations in the North West and maintaining a good civil-military relationship with the citizens in the state.
The governor said, “I am deeply honoured and delighted to be in your midst on this auspicious occasion of the year 2024 Base Socio-cultural activities.
“This event demonstrates the significance of our diverse cultural heritage as witnessed today. The Base Socio-cultural activities is a celebration of our diversity, and your commitment in this regard underscores the effort of the Nigerian Air Force in promoting our values and unity.
“I wish to further urge all security agencies to continue to remain vigilant and sustain the onslaught against bad elements in the state. The Government and people of Kaduna State will always support you in meeting your objectives.
“I enjoin you to continue with your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of peace and security in our nation,” he said. I also urge you not to relent in your efforts but to strive harder for even greater achievements.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Yaro Abdullahi, highlighted the NAF’s achievements in 2024, despite challenges faced during the year.
He noted that the NAF conducted a series of air and land operations, disrupting terrorist activities and other criminal operations in Kaduna State.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of the support and cooperation of the personnel, commanders, and officers of the NAF Base Kaduna, as well as their spouses and children.
He said, “I am most delighted to extend a warm welcome to the Special Guest of Honor, the representative of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Malam Uba Sani, who is here with us today. Your presence has not only added color to this occasion but has also shown the degree of importance the Kaduna State Government gives to the military.
“The Year 2024 was a fruitful one for the NAF. Though the year was not without its challenges, I can confidently say that laudable achievements were recorded through our determined efforts in the effective conduct of our operational activities in support of NAF’s overall operations.
“These operations were conducted both independently and jointly with surface forces, whilst dominating the airspace within the Joint Operation Area in conduct of its missions. Additionally, the aggressive patrols conducted by the NAF Special Forces under Op BADA MAMAKI serves as deterrence to criminal elements’ freedom of action within Kaduna metropolis and environs as well as contribute to the overall safety of our host communities.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to the entire personnel of the NAF Base Kaduna, for their dedication in ensuring smooth and consistent operations. Our commitment to the Service of the Nation remains unwavering, and we pledge to do even more this Year.”
The NAF also used the opportunity to acknowledge representatives of some blocks of accommodation on the Base that were assessed as best in areas of hygiene, esthetic beauty, and general cleanliness during the Year 2024 Sanitation Exercise.
The event featured cultural dances by troupes of different ethnic groups across various parts of the country, including Yoruba, Kanuri, Bajju, Tiv, Igbo as well as Koroso dance groups.
Other highlights during the event which was attended by top military officers, traditional rulers, were Tug of War between AWA and Airwomen; Base Boys and Airwomen; the Beating of Retreats as well as Burn Fire, among others.
Kaduna Governor Reaffirms Commitment To Military is first published on The Whistler Newspaper