By Tola Gbadamosi

The Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety (NAFIS), Ipetu-Ijesa, celebrated the graduation of 25 airmen who successfully completed the Airmen Safety Course 1/2024 during a ceremony held at the institute’s auditorium over the weekend.

The event marked a significant milestone for NAFIS, as it was the first Airmen Safety Course held since its relocation to Ipetu-Ijesa in 2022.

The two-week training programme, designed to enhance the safety culture and operational readiness of the Nigerian Air Force, focused on equipping personnel with essential safety skills. The participants were drawn from various trades, including engineers, technicians, and ground crew members.

In his welcome address, Group Captain Abdulkadir Bello, Commandant of NAFIS, described the Airmen Safety Course as a groundbreaking initiative tailored to meet the specific needs of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Safety in air operations starts on the ground, with our engineers, technicians, and other ground crew,” Bello said, emphasising that local training not only reduces the Air Force’s reliance on foreign institutions but also enhances the practical expertise of its personnel.

He expressed gratitude to Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, for providing the necessary support to ensure the programme’s success. Bello noted that the course lays the foundation for the future effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force.

The Special Guest of Honour and Chief of Standards and Evaluation at the Air Force Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Olasunkanmi Rasheed Abidoye, commended NAFIS for delivering a comprehensive training curriculum.

“The Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety is undoubtedly a hub of excellence in safety training. The quality of training here is world-class, and it reflects the professionalism of the Nigerian Air Force,” Abidoye said.

He also acknowledged the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff in approving the course and supporting its implementation. Abidoye praised the collaborative efforts of the NAFIS leadership and the resource persons who facilitated the training.

The event featured a presentation of awards to outstanding participants in recognition of their exemplary performance during the course. Recipients were applauded for their dedication and commitment to the programme.

In his closing remarks, Group Captain Bello extended his appreciation to corporate partners, including New Era Company, whose support contributed to the programme’s success. He also thanked the host community of Ipetu-Ijesa for its cooperation and hospitality.

The Commandant described the graduation as a historic moment for NAFIS, reinforcing its role as a centre of excellence in safety training within the Nigerian Air Force.

Participants of the course expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the practical skills and knowledge they acquired, which they said would enhance their professional performance.

The successful completion of the Airmen Safety Course aligns with the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to fostering a self-reliant workforce through locally driven initiatives. With this achievement, NAFIS continues to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Air Force while prioritising safety as a key component of its mission objectives.

Dignitaries at the event included His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Samson Agunbiade III, the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Navy Centre for Education Training Technology, the Air Force Research and Development Institute (AFRDI), and other security agencies.