The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, graduated 271 of it’s personnel trained in different specialties to enhance its operational capability.

In a remark at the ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that NAF would continue to place high premium on capacity building and development of personnel for effective and8 imperatives.

Abubakar described the graduation as a milestone not only in the history of both training institutions but also in the careers of the graduating officers.

According to him, the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) has continued to provide training in human resource management and other administration-related specialties, in line with global best practices for enhanced professionalism of NAF personnel.

“Similarly, the NAFSMAM has provided skilled medical professionals for effective healthcare delivery in support of NAF objectives,” he said.

Abubakar also said that the two  training institutions have continued to live up to their mandates and urged them to keep up the good work they were doing.

The Air Chief said that NAF, under his leadership, is committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development which, he said, was one of the key enablers of his command’s philosophy.

“It thus gladdens my heart that the NAFIAM is working towards becoming an accredited diploma-awarding institution.

“I am aware that the institute is in top gear to affiliate with Lagos State University and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

“This move will help upgrade the institute and give it the recognition it deserves,” Abubakar said.

He, therefore, advised the Commandant of NAFIAM not to relent in his pursuit to affiliate the institute with the civil tertiary institutions.

He further said that NAF Headquarters was reviewing the modalities for the commencement of Advanced Personnel and Administrative Management Officers’ Course.

“This novel initiative will enable the institute to enhance the skill sets of senior officers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle complex administrative tasks and personnel management responsibilities, effectively.

Also, he described the Basic Medical Course as being the first of its kind in NAF.

“I would, therefore, like to commend the Chief of Medical Services and entire Medical Services Branch for this remarkable achievement.

“I would also like to commend the NAFSMAM for the successful accreditation of Pharmacy Technicians Course by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.

“The success of the accreditation has paved the way for the commencement of a three-year professional diploma course in the next academic session,” Abubakar said.

He disclosed that notable accomplishments of the NAFSMAM prompted NAF authorities to approve the German Technical Advisory Group’s proposal to incorporate the Air Mobile First Aid Unit as a department within the school, thereby enhancing its training capabilities.

“You must show commendable level of professionalism in discharging your assigned tasks, remember that your core duty is to protect the territorial integrity of this great nation.

“I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar said.

Accordingly, the NAF  has equally re-strategised for utmost utilisation of all equipment and resources provided by the government in order to continually attain the NAF’s establishment roles and functions.

“Do not forget that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force.

“You must, therefore, uphold the high standards of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for,” Abubakar said.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support to NAF.

The graduands were from NAFIAM and NAFSMAM also reports that 248 graduated from NAFIAM and 23 from NAFSMAM.

Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students, who distinguished themselves during their studies.

The  Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched the operational manual for inland dry port projects.

The launching took place in Jos on Thursday.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr Akutah Pius, made this known in a statement he issued on Friday.

He said that the council had played a pivotal role in ensuring the development of inland dry ports across designated locations in the country.

He said that the  Jos Inland Dry in Heipang was one of the dry port projects being facilitated by the NSC to bring shipping facilities to shippers in the hinterlands.

“It is also to create employment opportunities for citizens and accrue substantial revenue to the government,” he said.

He said that, with concerted efforts of the host state government and other key players, the Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality.

According to him, the Jos Inland Dry Port is strategically located to serve not only the host state but also  neighbouring states.

He noted that the Plateau State Investment and Property Development Company had acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd. in 2022.

He said that with the new development, the new concessionaires and the host state government would drive the project.

Pius quoted  Plateau Gov. Caleb Murtfwang as describing the launching of the Inland Dry Port as a milestone, considering the economic potential of the state.

Pius also quoted Plateau Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Musa Sule, as describing Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a key partner in the development of the port project.

He also quoted the Coordinator, North Central Zone of the council, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, as saying that  the launching of the operational manual was to adequately guide stakeholders and operators on how best to use  inland dry ports.

He equally  quoted the President of Plateau State Shippers Association, Hajia Aisa Bashir, as giving the assurance of the  association’s readiness to enlighten shippers on the operational manual.