Defence minister urges Air Force to boost own technology

Minister of Defence Aliyu Gusau

Aliyu Gusau, Minister of Defence

Aliyu Gusau, Minister of Defence
Aliyu Gusau, Minister of Defence

The Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd), has urged the Nigerian Air Force to domicile its technology for effective performance.

The minister made the call on Saturday night in Abuja at the End-of-Year Get-Together and Awards Night organised by the Nigerian Air Force.

Gusau was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Ismalia Aliyu.

“Concerning our quest to enhance operational capability in the 21st Century, no military can afford to stand by and depend on borrowed technology. Every time, a new platform is acquired. It also means a detection of borrowed and sometimes circumvent technology.

“Therefore, you must thrive to domicile your technological effort and equipment maintenance in pursuit of self-reliance.

“Current events have brought to the fore the lack of co-operation exhibited by some of our international partners in our efforts to ascertain the needs of our security and defence.

“Hence we are compelled to look inwards. I then use this opportunity to assure members of our Armed Forces of President Goodluck Jonathan’s resolve to provide the required impetus to assist the Armed Forces to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

Gusau said the military has the ability to sustain and project the country’s leadership position in Africa and beyond.

He said the nation was currently experiencing security challenges which were placing a high demand on the Armed Forces.

“It is my utmost conviction that our challenges today will not be too feeble efforts, timidity or obsolete dogmas. I therefore challenge us all to reinforce our combined attributes of skills, relentlessness, diligence, doughtiness and personal commitment in the conduct of everyday duty,” the minister said.

He went on to salute the courage of service personnel who put their lives in the line of duty in the fight against insurgency.

“I also use this opportunity to commiserate with the Chief of Air Staff and the families of those who paid the supreme price for peace in our nation.

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“We must not let them down and we must keep faith with our resolve to fighting insurgency to a definite end,” Gusau said.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, said the night was a time to celebrate excellence.

He added that every successful administration was a result of the quality of the staff.

“I want every member of the Air Force to be proud of this team because we don’t look for people, we look for team players and we have them in the Air Force.

“In fighting for the nation, the Air Force stands out and we intend to continue. Our heroes have demonstrated courage and commitment to the nation, and they deserve to be recognised.

Amosu expressed regrets that the Air Force had lost some of their brave colleagues in the fight against insurgency.

He however assured the officers that whatever efforts the Air Force was currently putting in place to end insurgency would be doubled in 2015.

Amosu said even after the fight was ended, the Air Force personnel were expected to remain in the North-East region to mop up.

“Please, brace up because the war continues,” he said.

NAN reports that the ceremony also witnessed the presentation of various awards to officers and men who excelled in their duties.

Retired officers were honoured with gifts, while children who excelled in the Air Force Secondary Schools were appreciated and recognised.(

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