Opinions
Opinion: 140 Days in Office of Chief of Air Staff Hassan Bala Abubakar: A Period of Remarkable Progress and Challenges
Opinion: 140 Days in Office of Chief of Air Staff Hassan Bala Abubakar: A Period of Remarkable Progress and Challenges
By: Rosemary Moribirin
Since his assumption of office as the Chief of Air Staff about 140 days, Air Marshal (AVM) Hassan Bala Abubakar have been marked by significant accomplishments, underscoring his commitment to transforming the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and fortifying the nation’s security. Born on September 11, 1970, hailing from Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, his journey from enlisting in the NAF as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 39 to becoming a commissioned Pilot Officer on September 19, 1992, epitomises a career of dedication and excellence.
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, Air Marshal (AVM) Hassan Bala Abubakar’s ascendancy to the helms of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was more than a mere change in command; it heralded a new era of strategic vision and transformation for the institution.
AM Abubakar’s prolific military service is underscored by an extensive array of educational and professional accomplishments. His diverse training, encompassing courses in flying, infantry operations, amphibious operations, command, and staff courses, as well as experiences in various critical appointments, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted demands within the Air Force.
His extensive training includes courses in flying, infantry operations, amphibious operations, command, and staff courses. His experiences range from leading squadrons and teams to commanding air operations in different capacities within Nigeria and in international peacekeeping missions. Notably, he led significant operations at the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing his leadership prowess on a global platform.
AM Abubakar’s exceptional contributions and leadership have earned him a slew of awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Passed Staff Course (psc), and Fellow Defence College (fdc). He is not just a decorated military officer but also a well-educated individual with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from the Nigerian Defence Academy and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Under his leadership, one of the noteworthy achievements has been the procurement of 51 new aircraft, a substantial augmentation aimed at boosting the NAF’s operational capacity.
Additionally, the recent reception of 2 Diamond-62 aircraft further demonstrates the concerted efforts towards modernization and readiness.
Under the stewardship of AM Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Nigerian Air Force has evolved into a formidable force, committed to countering terrorism and ensuring national security. His tenure has seen a commitment to bolstering the force with superior equipment while focusing on the quality of training for officers and personnel.
The NAF under CAS Abubakar exemplifies a dedication to hotter firepower against terrorism and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and preparedness of its personnel, cementing its status as an exemplary institution of defense and security in Nigeria.
The successful airstrike operations against insurgents in Borno State, resulting in the elimination of nearly 22 terrorists, highlight the NAF’s proactive stance in countering threats posed by groups like Boko Haram. These operations, crucial for national security, show the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to addressing the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Ensuring the welfare of the staff within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been a pivotal aspect of Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar’s tenure, reflecting a commitment to the well-being and effectiveness of the men and women serving in the force.
- Improved Living Conditions: AM Abubakar’s leadership has put a significant emphasis on improving the living conditions of NAF personnel. Efforts have been made to upgrade and modernize accommodation facilities, providing comfortable and conducive living spaces for the officers and airmen, contributing to their quality of life.
- Training and Skill Development: Recognizing the critical role of continuous training and skill development, AM Abubakar has implemented programs to enhance the training curriculum for NAF personnel. The focus is on fostering a culture of continuous learning, upskilling, and professional development, ensuring that the officers and airmen are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills required for their duties.
- Healthcare and Well-being: Ensuring access to quality healthcare services is a priority. The leadership has taken measures to improve medical facilities, ensuring that personnel have access to comprehensive healthcare services. Additionally, wellness programs and mental health support have been instituted to address the overall well-being of the staff.
- Family Support Programs: AM Abubakar’s administration has implemented family support initiatives to provide assistance to the families of NAF personnel. These programs offer support in various forms, such as education, housing, and counselling, contributing to a stable and supportive environment for the families of those serving in the Air Force.
- Motivational and Recognition Schemes: Recognizing the dedication and commitment of NAF personnel, motivational and recognition schemes have been put in place to acknowledge and reward exemplary service. This serves to boost morale and motivation among the staff, fostering a sense of pride and loyalty within the organization.
AM Abubakar’s focus on staff welfare aimed to create a conducive and supportive environment for the men and women of the Nigerian Air Force, acknowledging their crucial role in the nation’s defense. The emphasis on comprehensive welfare initiatives reflects a commitment to nurturing a workforce that is not only highly skilled and capable but also supported and motivated in their roles.
However, alongside these achievements, the Nigerian Air Force faces formidable challenges. The persistent threats of terrorist attacks, as evidenced by the ability of Boko Haram militants to bomb aircraft, signify the grave risks posed to both military assets and civilian lives. Additionally, the complexities of the security landscape, the continuous need for advanced technology, and the ongoing requirement for improved intelligence and surveillance capabilities pose constant challenges in safeguarding lives and property.
Addressing the vulnerabilities that allow for successful attacks on air assets remains a critical challenge for the NAF. Strengthening defenses, employing advanced countermeasures, and enhancing surveillance capacities are vital components in overcoming these threats.
AM Abubakar’s leadership has been proactive in addressing these challenges, but the road ahead requires a concerted and sustained effort. Tackling security threats, especially against air assets, demands continual vigilance, innovations in technology, and ongoing enhancements in training and strategic initiatives.
As Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar steers the Nigerian Air Force, his tenure embodies a commitment to progress, resilience, and addressing challenges to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria. His visionary leadership, marked by achievements and a steadfast approach to tackling security concerns, sets a promising trajectory for the NAF’s continued growth and success in the face of evolving threats.
Thus far, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar’s leadership in the initial 140 days have seen notable achievements in enhancing the Nigerian Air Force’s capabilities. Nevertheless, the challenges of securing life and property, especially against persistent threats from insurgent groups, remain a crucial focal point for the NAF’s strategic planning and operational execution under his stewardship.
**Rose Moribirin, a public affairs analyst, contributes this piece from Abuja.
Opinions
THE BIU FORUM: FEW THINGS TO KNOW
THE BIU FORUM: FEW THINGS TO KNOW.
By: A G Abubakar
The Biu Forum was a child of circumstances. It was born in response to the fall out from the August 1991 state creation exercise by the Babangida military regime which initially located Biu in Yobe but removed same after a couple of days. To push for a redress or for an answer, the Forum was initiated. Its drivers came from the entire spectrum of the present day Biu Emirate and Shani Chiefdom, who were then resident in Lagos, the former federal capital.The first meeting was held in October 1991 at Block 4, Flat 3, the Bar Beach Towers, Victoria Island.
The inaugural and subsequent meetings of the forum were attended by such personalities as Shettima Saleh, Saidu Pindar, Tahir A.Musa, PC Abdullahi Mohammed, Musa Yamta, Hassan Bdliya, John Balami, Audu Shettima, Sanda Usman, Adamu Abdullahi, Musa Shani, Major (now Gen) Usman, Muhammad Dili, Ahmed Kuru, Jibrin A.Jibrin, A.G.Abubakar (Convener along with Musa Yamta), Mamman Audu, Paul Mari, Ishaku Abdullahi, Sale Mari Maina, Major. Ibrahim Bantam, Samaila Mamman, Sule Usman, C.D.Gali, and many more. These foundation members nurtured the Forum for years in Lagos before the seat of government was formally moved to Abuja.
Some of them are of blessed memory (may the Almighty grant them His mercy, Ameen), though a lot more are still living. The major objective of the forum at inception was to build a unity of purpose to tackle the challenges facing Biu Emirate, particularly its excision from the then newly created Yobe State. Plus, the need to call for attention to the brazen discriminations visited upon Biu people in the state’s civil service, while also pursuing the creation of a Savannah State. Same, with extending moral and material supports to victims of natural disasters and others like the then Waka-Biu crisis.
It would be recalled that after the Babangida military government decided to split old the Borno State, late General Abacha, then the Chief of Army Staff and the defacto number “two” man, who happened to be of Borno extraction, was assigned to consult with the Shehu as well as other opinion leaders on the government’s proposal to curve out a new state out of Borno. Late Bunu Sherrif, a son of the soil (Goniri), who was then serving as Minister of Labour among others, was to serve as a facilitator. The rough edges were therefore smoothened.
Eventually, Yobe was created. The configuration of which comprised three emirates, namely Biu, Fika, and Bade. Borno and Bama emirates were to remain as the New Borno State. The number of local governments was equally balanced at 22 each. Now, it is lopsidedly 17 and 27 LGAs for Yobe and Borno, respectively.
Along the line, some forces opposed to the inclusion of Biu emerged. The first one was the supposed friction between the Emirs of Biu and Fika regarding the order of protocol. A smokescreen, however, because the real reason was that Fika Emirate was promised the State capital (precisely Potiskum), but that was if Biu wasn’t part of the equation. The other reason was that Biu and Borno Emirates had a historical tie that made the duo almost conjoined. This was also untenable in that Ngazargamo that served as the capital of the old Kanem-Borno was severed into Yobe State. In the end, Biu remains part of Borno.
This development polarised the citizens of Biu Emirate into two. The Elders were not so favourably disposed towards leaving Borno, while the larger youth groups were at home with Yobe.
The advantages they averred included the possibility of playing more dominant political and economic roles in the new state, given the fact that Biu used to hold and still holds the Deputy Governor portfolio in Borno. The emirates (Fika and Biu) equally serve as the manpower base of the region . State politics could turn out to be like Adamawa, where all ethnic groups and/or stripes of faith can become the number one citizen of the state. The Emir of Biu would naturally be the most senior, in addition.
Based on the foregoing, Biu made a case for inclusion or, better still, a re-inclusion into Yobe. A move that was resisted vehemently by certain quarters under the umbrella of BEDA. Others who lent their voices included the Birma, Galadima Stanley Balami, PC Ali Biu, and Alhaji Ibrahim Damchida, all of blessed memory.
The Biu citizens who were pushing for the readjustment initially got the support of His Royal Highness, the Revered Mai Umar, who gracefully endorsed the demand document titled, “A Call For the Adjustment of Biu Emirate into Yobe State.” Or rather agreed for the document to be endorsed on his behalf, which was done. However, under pressure from all corners, His Royal Highness had to reconsider his support, as the Emirate found itself in a difficult situation. It was this development and regardless of the push back that the Biu Forum was formed as an alternative platform to still pursue the inclusion of Biu and Shani into Yobe State.
A petition to the government, was subsequently produced and forwarded. And to get a wider publicity and forestall suppression the Forum’s document was sent to the press . The rested influencial national newspaper, the Sunday Concord of 6th October 1991 carried the entire document. Yours faithfully picked the bill.
One of the the committed and highly articulate members of the Forum at the time, Alh. Muhammed Shehu Birma had his relationship with his principal, the Hon. Minister, Bunu Sheriff strained because of his role and support. Alh. Birma was one of the Special Assistants to the Minister who worked tirelessly to obtain the concurrence of major stakeholders to buy into the Forum’s activities.
When the misunderstanding so created on account of the state creation seemed unabating, formal meetings were called by the late elder statesman Alh. Damcida at his Probyn road, Ikoyi, home to sort things out. The “family” gathering enjoyed the presence of late Dr.Saidu Muhammad, PC Ali Biu, A.G.Abubakar, Muhammad S.Birma, Amb. Saidu Pindar, Alhaji Madu Biu, Shettima Saleh, with apologies from Dr.Bukar Usman.
One of the resolutions that came out of the series of dialogues was an undertaking by Mallam to seek an audience with General Abacha for possible reconsideration of the petition. The outcome was the creation of Hawul and Kwaya Kusar LGAs, while Biu as a whole stayed in Borno State.
As time went on, moves got started to merge the activities of the Forum to those of the senior Biu Development Association, BDA. The BDA is now BEDA (Biu Emirate Development Association). The move never materialised and the activities of both slowed down. It took the efforts of patriots like Engineer Ibrahim Usman, Dan Masani Muhammad Ibrahim, Adamu Abdullahi, Amb. Saidu, Ibrahim M.Kwajaffah, Muhammad Buba, Mai Musti, Bukar Umar and a host of others to revive the Forum and keep it going.
So for all intents and purposes the Biu Forum was not a Biu Local Government outfit. It was initiated to protect and promote the interest of Biu and Shani Emirates. And indeed every Aburwa on the planet. How it became a Forum exclusively for Biu Local Government Area was maybe a later development to give the Forum a sharper focus. And maybe to ensure a seamless coexistence with the senior BEDA.This has been a short story of the now, 33-year old (1991 to –) initiative.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com
THE BIU FORUM: FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Opinions
Nigeria: Why the youths must say “NO” to protest.
Nigeria: Why the youths must say “NO” to protest.
By: Dr. James Bwala
History should teach us lessons. And we have so many examples that are part of the history of some countries around us. Protests as being engineered and called for are never in the interest of the young Nigerian; rather, they are a way to further suppress and darken the future of young ones, and therefore, I see this as another evil rising on Nigeria, which I hope the youths will see as reasons not to be tempted to join those who do not mean well for them and for Nigeria. Those who want to cash in on the protest to their advantage are pushing their own evil interests to deny the young Nigerian his or her own hope for the future.
I followed many calls on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and listened to many voices calling on the Nigerian youths to join them on the days to demonstrate and show their displeasure to the government over hunger in the land. They claimed it was about a policy, and I did not really understand the truth about such claims. Some pointed to the issue of insecurity that people cannot go to their farms and blamed the present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima, and on this too, they are not speculating on facts that are leading them to want to express anger through protest.
I could not understand why all the things they are pointing to have been on their doorsteps for over 10 years and they would not protest until now. Does it mean that their eyes are now open to the situation we all found ourselves in? I have lived in northeastern Nigeria, and I have seen situations created by insecurity where children, young men, and adults hold each other’s hands and cry out for help to have a drop of grain and for one cut of a handful of mold grain flour to go through their mouths and down their throats for the day, but they could not have the assurance of such a meal. No one came to the rescue; no one called for a protest, and the people built their resilience until the heavens brought succor.
READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/the-plight-of-farida/
The situation in which certain individuals are coming to tell young Nigerians to protest or to demonstrate against the administration requires a deeper look into their motives. It may not be about hunger in the land afterwards, for we have endured many hungers and we did not protest, so why now? Politics is still in the play, and a few individuals—I mean, very few individuals—who are not happy with the Tinubu and Shettima administration are orchestrating the wind horses. Some young Nigerians may think otherwise, but believe me, there are many more evils behind the call for protest than what you are hearing on social media, and these are about destroying a whole lot of what you have hoped for.
I will suggest that no Nigerian youth should join or listen to calls from those who have sent their children abroad for you to continue to be their foot soldiers, and in the end, they achieve something and you achieve nothing. Take a look at the protests or demonstrations in the past. Not outside Nigeria, but within. Some of you have participated, and you are still on the street after that protest. Your peace and happiness have been taken. Those you fought for—have they come to salvage your situation? Unless you want to remain perpetually a fool on the street with very little to gain and no knowledge of what you are bargaining, then you may choose to go with the evil callers; otherwise, say ‘NO’ to protest as it is not actually in your interest.
This administration, which you are being instigated to demonstrate against, has won many battles in the last year. The latest in the Hope initiative are the achievements of the court ruling on local government autonomy. This government has achieved free imports for drugs and rice and brought peace through the establishment of the livestock ministry. These are a few achievements from the last six months. We have waited for eight years in hope through the Buhari administration, and no one has seen positive changes, but we waited. Herein, with the Tinubu and Shettima administrations, we are seeing the moves and the results. Can we not hold on to this renewed hope since we are seeing the changes coming?
Nigerian youths, let no one deceive us into doing their bid. They have places to go; we only have Nigeria, which is all we have. When they moved out, we remained here. They cannot come from Europe and America to ask us to set our houses on fire while they go back to their second homes and leave us in the shackles that we used our own hands to perpetuate their desires against us for their selfish and evil interests. No, we must not come to the level they want us to reach. We must rise with renewed hope and join this administration to build a Nigeria where peace and justice reign, just as we pledged to build in our re-engineering calls for a better tomorrow.
Dr. James BWALA, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Nigeria: Why the youths must say “NO” to protest.
Opinions
Why Borno residents should support the Zulum Administration
Why Borno residents should support the Zulum Administration
By: Yusuf Adamu
Unfortunately, the lack of electricity and shortage of water in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, have continued to turn some sections of the state against the government. While many are thinking it is the government job to provide electricity and water, a lot of people are not looking at the efforts the government is putting in during the phase of challenges from saboteurs and terrorists as it affects the issues of electricity in the state, particularly.
Borno State has been in darkness for the last two weeks, and the governor spoke with concern from faraway Saudi Arabia, where he went to worship, and he was informed of the electricity issue back home. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has done tremendously well in ensuring that Borno State overcomes the issue of electricity, to the extent that he went beyond his jurisdiction to ensure that he solved the problem.
He went further to collaborate with the NNPC, which informed the setting of a gas plant in Maiduguri to support the epileptic power supply as a result of the continuous attacks on the electricity supply lines feeding Maiduguri. However, the activities of saboteurs, who would rather, out of their greed, overload the gas plant, have constantly resulted in the disruption of the gas plant’s capacity to provide adequate supply.
Rather than people condemning the government for some of this man-made distraction, I think the people of Borno State should pray for an end to the activities of terrorists and the saboteurs who continuously take advantage of the situation to speak ill of the government. If the opposition is speaking, we would understand, but when citizens say otherwise, we would like to remind them that the governor of Borno State has been doing everything possible to make Borno State great.
The collaboration with NNPC and the purchase of electric vehicles to ease pain for people are things to see and agree that the governor meant well for his people. This is aside from the numerous projects he was able to achieve in the state. We are also lucky to have the Vice President, who is our own and whose focus is also to see Borno State become great again.
Just yesterday, he was speaking on the issues affecting the state when he arrived in the state for the sallah celebration. He gave hope for a better Borno state and spoke well of the collaboration the federal government is having with Borno state to end the perennial challenges facing the state at the moment. Let us continue to uplift our leaders in prayer and support their dream of making Borno one of the best things that happens to its people in the current administration.
***Yusuf Adamu writes from Maiduguri and is the former political adviser to Kashim Shettima.
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