By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that promotion in the military was a call to greater service.
He therefore urged the newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to see their elevation to the air ranks as such.
Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, said this at the decoration of the recently promoted 19 Air Commodores to the substantive rank of Air Vice Marshal and 33 Group Captains to Air Commodore on Tuesday in Abuja.
He noted that attaining a senior air rank in the NAF was a significant milestone, reflecting years of dedication, sacrifice and exceptional service to the nation.
According to him, such elevation brings with it higher responsibility.
“It calls for strategic leadership, clarity of vision and capacity to make sound decisions under immense pressure.
“These are qualities that are indispensable as we confront the security challenges of our time.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely a recognition of past achievements. It is a call to greater service.
“Our nation entrusts you, our newly decorated senior officers, with the critical task of advancing the operational excellence of the NAF as well as strengthening the security architecture of our great nation, Nigeria.”
The speaker also said that their wealth of experience, professionalism and dedication would serve as cornerstones in fostering an environment of peace, stability and national development.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu, for his support and commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces, adding that the had in his recent Presidential Media Chat, reaffirmed his confidence in the gallant men and women of the armed forces.
According to him, the president highlighted his administration’s effort to reposition the security architecture of our country.
“This demonstration of trust and belief in your capability underscores the critical role you play in the collective security of our nation.”
Abbas commended the Chief of the Air Staff and his team for their exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, urging the newly decorated on innovation, hard work, resilience and commitment to the ideals of the NAF.
He said the nation’s complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, demanded that their leadership must inspire operational effectiveness, innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges.
He also urged the air force to work with other security agencies, adding that synergistic effects of pooling resources, intelligence, expertise, and professionalism together, was key to winning the war.
“I am pleased to know that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu, has made significant investments in modernising the NAF.
“From the acquisition of cutting-edge platforms and equipment, to initiatives aimed at ensuring that you have the resources needed to fulfill your mandates.
“It is imperative that these resources are utilised effectively, judiciously, to achieve the desired outcomes.
“Nigerians look to you to lead with professionalism, discipline, integrity and courage. Embrace innovation, strategic thinking, and adaptability as you carry out your mission.
“The nation expects nothing less than excellence from you as you step into these elevated roles,” he said.(NAN)
