Nigerian Air Force wings 11 pilots trained in South Africa
- Eleven young officers took part in the winging ceremony of the latest pilots of the Nigerian Air Force
- The young officers just finished a one-year training programme at Westline Aviation School in South Africa
- They were decorated by former Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike (rtd)
Eleven young officers were on Wednesday, January 17, winged by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The officers successfully qualified at 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna in November 2016 and were later sent to Westline Aviation School where they commenced their course from January 16, 2017 to December 16, 2017.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force acquires new airplanes from Pakistan military
Two of the officers caught the eye at the ceremony - Flying Officers Oluwabunmi Ijelu and Genevieve Nwogwugu.
The duo are the first regular female combatants to be qualified pilots in the history of the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking at the event, a delighted Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, reiterated his commitment in investing on the human capacity development in all NAF specialties.
His words: “We are exceedingly delighted to have before us today some of the products of this effort. We are expecting additional 10 pilots from International Aviation College in Illorin and 4 pilots from South Africa to complete their training in February 2018.
“By end of February therefore, the Nigerian Air Force would have successfully winged 72 pilots. Furthermore, there are an additional 73 pilots that are training to qualify for awards of NAF wings. Out of this number, 64 are training in Nigeria while the remaining 10 are outside Nigeria.
“In the area of Instructor Pilot Training, the Nigerian Air Force has trained 23 Instructor Pilots in the last two years while 7 are currently undergoing training abroad with 3 in US and 4 in Jordan.
“Our training efforts in Kaduna have been greatly enhanced with the acquisition of 10 Supermushshak trainer aircraft. Also in Kano, all hands are on deck to increase the number of serviceable L-39ZA aircraft for basic fighter training.
“Due to increase in number of serviceable A-jets, the Nigerian Air Force has commenced advanced fighter training locally in Nigeria. These achievements will no doubt save the nation scarce resources required to train outside."
The CAS said the capability of the NAF will be enhanced when they receive additional helicopter gunships procured for the service by the federal government.
He also said there are ongoing efforts to repair the grounded aircraft locally with technical partners will make the NAF regain its past glory and enhance its maintenance capabilities.
He advised the young pilots to be prepared for the onerous task ahead as they fit into the operational flying environment.
“For you, the journey to fruitful flying careers has just begun and you must not rest on your oars. You must open your minds to learn and be mentored by your captains and seniors in the field.
“Flying operations requires a lot of discipline, hardwork and diligence to make you succeed. Therefore, do not forget the 3 Ds to success, which are 'Drive, Discipline and Desire to be better every day," he said.
The officers were then decorated by former Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike (rtd), who was later handed a plaque by the CAS.
Meanwhile, the CAS on January 9, commissioned a newly built block of boys’ hostel at Air Force Comprehensive School (AFCS) Uyo.
Interestingly, the hostel was designed and constructed by engineers of the NAF Directorate of Works for the comfort of the school's SS3 students, thus expected to be a source of motivation for the junior students to work hard to get to the class.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force acquires new airplanes from Pakistan military
Nigerian Air Force winged 10 flying officers - on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
