Plans are underway by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to begin the utilisation of aluminium sheets and shoes produced by beneficiaries of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) skills acquisition programme.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar stated this atthe graduation of 150 barrack youths and widows who were enrolled into the scheme last December.
Air Marshal Abubakar, who assessed the items produced by the participants, expressed satisfaction at the quality of the shoes, boots and aluminium.
He said the NAF would work out modalities to ensure that the flat shoes were supplied to all female officers, Air Women, while the boots would be amended to suit the force’ approved camouflage and supplied to recruits.
Praising NAFOWA for the free training and starter packs given to the beneficiaries, the Air Chief said the association by its gesture, has contributed greatly in the fight against terrorism.
At the event were the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Bello Abba-Kyari, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Yahaya, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, among others.
Air Marshal Abubakar said: “I want to say that you are contributing to the development of the society and also ensuring we are successful in the fight against terrorism. Though you are not with us in the battle front, carrying riffles or flying helicopters, but I want to tell you that what you are doing in our bases is positively impacting on the operations that we are combating all over the country.
“You have done so much in terms of supporting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the contributions you are making monthly and voluntary contributions that personel are making. You are using it to put smiles on the faces of the most unfortunate citizens of the North east that have been trapped in this crisis.
“I also understand that similar skills acquisition programmes have been done in Makurdi Kaduna, Maiduguri and I understand you are also planning another one in Port Hacourt. These programmes, I must say, are very significant because they key into our idea of providing for the welfare of air men/women and officers of the NAF.
“So this skill acquisition which targets youths and widows in the barrack is playing an important role because with this kind of program, we get less distractions from officers and men of NAF deployed in the field. They are more committed knowing fully well that their family members have been taken care of and that will translate to effectiveness in our operations.
“I have gone round and seen so many things the NAF can make use of. One typical example is the shoes which are light and beautiful. I have directed the logistic branch to immediately discuss with the people making the shoes so that we can get it for all female officers and air women in the office.
“Another thing I saw was the boots and all we need to do is to change the camouflage to the one that is approved for the Air Force and we can buy for our recruits that are training in Kaduna.
“I have also directed the AOC Logistics Command to discuss with those that are making the aluminum fabrication so that we can use the aluminum fabricated by these people. I urge the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunities availed them to change the society.”
Mrs. Ambode said the initiative would bring stability in the lives of the beneficiaries and would have multiplier effect.
According to her, no one should shy away from the fact that the country was still struggling with issues of unemployment and under employment, despite determined efforts by governments at all level.
She said: “The best thing that can happen to our youths and others in need of jobs, is a programme like this, that brings succour and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income.
“Gainful employment is not limited to wage-paying jobs alone. Skills acquired that guarantee regular income are also good employment types. In many cases, some skills bring more financial rewards depending on the commitment and enterprise of the individual.”
A personal business gives you the leverage to dictate your pace of operation, ensuring time and financial freedom for the entrepreneur. In the light of all these, being empowered with a skill is a great opportunity, capable of transforming the life of anyone.
Source: The Nation
The Nation