The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC) Makurdi, AVM Elijah Ebiowe, has reiterated that the command has resolved to completely align with the philosophy of the chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubarkar, to transform NAF into an agile and resilient force that will effectively meet the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.
The air officer commanding, who made this known during the celebration of the Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) in Makurdi, said the transformation would be built on the successes achieved last year, which include enhanced officer welfare, discipline and sustained training to fulfil NAF constitutional roles.
Ebiowe appealed to the youth to shun all forms of criminality and engage in useful ventures that will add value to their lives and society, saying stringent measures await those who choose the path of social vices and emphasised that 2025 will not be business as usual for criminals.
AOC urged all stakeholders to continue supporting NAF in fulfilling its mandate of ensuring peace and security and eradicating criminality in society.
He disclosed that the Nigerian cultural heritage was rooted in respect for elders, discipline, integrity, and love for community and authority, but unfortunately, the values were increasingly being eroded, as evident in more instances of vices such as theft, cultism, drug abuse, and disrespect for authority, even within communities and Bases across the country.
While expressing gratitude to CAS for appointing him as the 43rd AOC TAC Makurdi a few months ago, Ebiowe reassured the CAS that the command, under his leadership, would continue to support his philosophy of making NAF the best it could be.
“BASA is a long-standing tradition observed annually to mark the conclusion of activities for the preceding year across all NAF units and formations. As we gather here today, other NAF Bases and formations across the country are also hosting their BASA celebrations; we want to commend the foresight, wisdom, vision, and leadership style of the 22nd Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Earlier, the guest of honour at the event, the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, expressed the hope that NAF efforts in addressing security challenges were yielding good results. Even he said the occasion would go a long way in strengthening bonds among personnel, their families and the host communities.
Represented by his special adviser on Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan, the governor also applauded NAF for its dedication to duty, stressing that he was in no doubt that NAF would continue to fight the insecurity that was bringing the country to a standstill.
