BE GOOD AMBASSADORS OF THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE, AVM ADEMUWAGUN URGES RETIRING SNCOs
The Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, has urged retiring Senior Non-Commission Officers (SNCOs) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) serving in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to remain good ambassadors of the NAF after their 35 years of meritorious service to the country and humanity generally.
The Commandant made the admonition during the send forth ceremony in honour of the retiring SNCOs who joined the Service between 1991 and 1992. He stated that their contributions and sacrifices to the peace and protection of the territorial integrity of the nation, which sometimes came at the expense of their own families, would not go unrewarded. He acknowledged their commitment to the ideals of the Institute and urged them to maintain the discipline, courage and commitment they exhibited while in Service by becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in their communities.
AVM Ademuwagun commended their families for maintaining the home front while their spouses were in the field. He therefore called on the retiring SNCOs to build memories with their loved ones that they could not do while in Service, adding that they should not spend their allowances on frivolities but endeavour to take care of their families. “Do not worry about retirement and do not go into business immediately but wait for at least one year and plan on what to do before embarking on any venture,” he admonished.
Earlier, the Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Osinachi Ubadike, commended the retiring personnel for their successful service to the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that retirement should be seen as a thing of joy and advised them not to “just relax at home, but find a way to make yourselves active to remain healthy.” He added that, “with the training, discipline, and skills you have acquired, as well as God’s guidance, you will enjoy a prosperous future”.
In her vote of thanks on behalf of the retiring SNCOs, Air Warrant Officer Florence Alonge expressed unreserved gratitude to God and the Nigerian Air Force for giving them the opportunity to serve the country. She thanked the Commandant for honouring them, noting that, “this gesture will remain in our memories for the rest of our lives.” A total of 13 SNCOs were sent off comprising of one Air Warrant Officer and 12 Master Warrant Officers.
Bassey Ibiang Okon PhD
Wing Commander
Dirctor of Public Relations
Air Force Institute of Technology – Kaduna