CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters

By: Olusola Akinboyewa

As part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) establishments in Lagos, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on 13 December 2024, visited Caverton Helicopters Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to evaluate progress on the ongoing 2,500-hour and 5-year major inspections of NAF Bell-412 helicopters (NAF 599 and NAF 600). The visit highlighted the critical role of indigenous expertise in advancing NAF’s operational capabilities and fostering sustainable aviation solutions.

Air Marshal Abubakar commended Caverton’s technical expertise and cutting-edge facilities, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work being done. He noted that NAF 600 was near operational readiness, while NAF 599 was 70% complete.

The CAS emphasized the importance of leveraging local partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign services, enhance NAF’s fleet maintenance, and build national capacity for aircrew training and technical development. He described the collaboration with Caverton as a model for sustainable solutions that align with the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence.

The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, assured the CAS of the company’s readiness to continue delivering top-notch services to support NAF operations. He highlighted the facility’s achievements in overhauling critical helicopter components and noted the value of the NAF partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry. The visit underscored the strategic importance of indigenous collaborations in bolstering national security and advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.

CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters

COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS

By: Our Reporter

The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Major General Philips Eromosele, has today 12 December 2024, paid a working visit to Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State. The visit was his maiden visit to the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.

The CCE paid an office call to the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, after which he proceeded to the 46 Engineer Brigade Counter Improvise Explosive Device Squadron, where he thereafter commissioned some projects. The projects commissioned include a Training Area and Laboratory, 26 Support Engineer Regiment Training sheds, and a block of 10 flats of one-bedroom apartments for Coporal and Below constructed by Headquarters 6 Division.

While addressing the troops of the 46 Engineer Brigade, the CCE charged them to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army and, most importantly, role models to their subordinates. He also urged them to be patient with the system and eschew all manner of illegalities, as plans are on the ground for a better future in the NA.

In his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of, the 26 Support Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Usama Yakubu said he was spurred to construct the training shed in his unit to ensure rigorous training of his personnel to prepare them for both current and future challenges. This, he said, is under the CCE’s directive and mission statement, “To develop the capacity of the Nigerian Army Engineer for robust support to the NA in accomplishing assigned missions”. “Another purpose for the ultra-modern 150-capacity training shed with an office space for instructors and convenience for both male and female students respectively, beautiful furniture, and a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning was to equip both young officers and soldiers with basic knowledge and skills required before they proceed for local courses that will prepare them in carrying out both engineer and infantry roles in the field”, he added.

The highlights of the visit were the commissioning of multiple projects, a short presentation of Improvised Explosive Device Management by the Commander, 46 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Ekeoma Odoemele, an address to troops, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.

COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS

RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reassured retiring military personnel that leaving active service marks the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter in their lives, not an end. Speaking today, 12 December 2024, as the Special Guest of Honour at the Passing Out Ceremony of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Participants Course 02/2024 in Oshodi, Lagos, the CAS lauded the graduands for their unshakable commitment and discipline throughout their military careers.

In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the Commandant, graduating participants, and the entire NAFRC community on achieving a significant milestone. He highlighted the importance of the six-month training programme, which equipped personnel transitioning to civilian life with skills pertinent to entrepreneurship, management, and national development.

Reflecting on a popular military saying, “Soja come, Soja go, barracks remain,” the CAS emphasised that while individuals leave the Service, their values and contributions continue to shape the Armed Forces and the nation. He urged the graduands to carry forward the discipline, courage, and commitment they exhibited in uniform, becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in their communities.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that retirement should not be seen as a death sentence but rather as a new beginning. “Do not entertain fears about your future,” he advised. “With the training, discipline, and skills you have acquired, as well as God’s guidance, you will enjoy a prosperous future with good health and sound mind.”

Paying tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the CAS also commended the families of the retirees for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He assured the audience of the Armed Forces’ commitment to the welfare of its personnel, both serving and retired, and expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to capacity development within the military.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, thanked the special the Special Guest of Honour for honoring the invitation and gracing the occasion. He also extended a warm welcome to all distinguished personalities, commandants, commanders, special guests, and well-wishers in attendance. “Your presence here today is a clear manifestation of how dearly you hold this great institution,” he remarked, acknowledging support and commitment to the success of NAFRC and its graduating participants.

The event also featured an exhibition of various products and services created by the graduating class, as well as the commissioning of a 54-unit ensuite hostel block donated by the NAF to NAFRC. Dignitaries in attendance included the Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) and the NAF Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), amongst many other distinguished personalities.

RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY