NAF AT 57: Induction of JF-17 Thunder Aircraft, Aerial display, Launching of Tele- medicine, other events to mark the Anniversary.
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said the service is set to mark the 57th Anniversary celebration, which will take place from 14th to 20th May 2021,
The Chairman, Organizing Committee for the NAF 57th Anniversary celebration, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, who made this known in a press briefing on Friday in Abuja to real out activities which will take place from 14th to 20th May 2021, with three main activities namely seminar, induction of a new platform as well as Ariel display by L- 39ZA, A-Jet and JF-17 Thunder aircraft, launching of telemedicine facility which will take place at NAF Base, Asokoro on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.
He said the theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Airpower Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations in Response to Contemporary National Security Challenges”, aims at emphasizing the renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration among the Services in military operations.
He noted that it is in tandem with the Chief of the Air Staff’s (CAS) vision which is to “enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”. 
He stated also that the seminar scheduled to take place on May 19, 2021, will provide opportunity for seasoned experts to present papers on standardization of training and interoperability of equipment in the Armed forces of Nigeria.
The focus of the seminar, he explained, is to proffer workable strategies aimed at checkmating the myriad of security challenges in the country.
While noting that the events will be low-key due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, he said it will be structured to enlighten Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry in the country.
According to him, “You will agree with me that the Nigerian Air Force has grown over the years into a formidable force within the West African sub-region and it is only rational to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years.
“There will be a series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country. These pre-events include; Juma’at service later today, Church Service on Sunday, 16th May. There will also be Medical outreaches to host communities of the various NAF Bases, and humanitarian support activities by the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) across the 6 geo-political zones of the country”, he said.
AVM Abubakar said although other events will hold in NAF formations, the induction of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft and aerial display would be conducted simultaneously at Makurdi on May 20 2021 and will mark the end of the 57th Anniversary celebration.
