By Tola Gbadamosi

To kick off activities marking the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Commandant of the Air Force Base in Ipetu-Ijesha, Group Captain Abdulkadir Bello, organised special Juma’at and church services for officers and men under his command.

The week-long celebration commenced with prayers, under the theme: “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations”, aimed at promoting unity, professionalism, and operational effectiveness within the Force.

The Commandant, who led his men in prayers, said he ensured everyone gathered over the past three days to offer prayers for the Nigerian Air Force.

“A special Juma’at prayer was held on Friday,” he said, “led by the Imam of the Mosque, Flying Officer Husaye Kehinde Abdullahi.”

A special church service was also held today at the Nigerian Air Force Base, as part of activities earmarked to commemorate the 61st anniversary, under the same theme: “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations.”

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, represented at the occasion by the Commandant of the NAF Base, Ipetu-Ijesha, Group Captain Abdulkadir Bello, said the purpose of the prayer session was to celebrate Nigeria’s 61st birthday and to seek divine guidance for the NAF.

He noted that the prayer service formed part of the programmes lined up for the NAF at 61 celebrations.

In his sermon during the Juma’at prayers at the Central Mosque of the Nigerian Air Force, Ipetu-Ijesha, the Imam, Flying Officer Husaye Kehinde Abdullahi, urged all Muslim faithful across the country to continue promoting peace and building trust, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations.

The Chief Imam used the occasion to remind Nigerians that the country is a divine trust bestowed by Almighty Allah, which must be jealously guarded through harmonious coexistence.

He also appealed to all Nigerians to be mindful of their conduct and utterances, stressing that there is no other country we can call “our own.”

He therefore urged everyone to pray constantly for the nation and its leadership.

The cleric thereafter offered prayers for the leadership of the NAF and for personnel, especially those deployed in internal security operations across the country.

The NAF Day Celebration is an annual event held to commemorate the establishment of the Service, while also reflecting on its achievements, challenges, and future prospects.

Other activities lined up for the celebration include an interdenominational church service, medical outreach, historical photo gallery display, gala night, ceremonial parade, aerial and static displays, commissioning of some helicopters, and the presentation of colours to the newly established Air Training and Ground Training Commands.