The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, paid glowing tributes to the fallen heroes of the service at the weekend and assured that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and indeed the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would ensure that their contributions of paying the supreme price in the defence of the nation were never in vain.
Speaking at the NAF Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) Medical and Humanitarian Outreach Programme organised for widows of deceased Air Force personnel held at NAF Base, Asokoro, Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar prayed for the continued peaceful repose of their gentle souls.
According to the Air Chief, “In moments like these, we recall those who have paid the ultimate price in the service of our fatherland. While we pray for the continued peaceful repose of their gentle souls, we are duty-bound to ensure that their contributions and supreme sacrifices will never be in vain.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to reach out to widows of deceased personnel as well as those who might require assistance, especially women, children, and the downtrodden, who form the bulk of society.
The CAS noted that, as part of measures to support families of fallen heroes and wounded warriors, the NAF had instituted a group personal accident insurance policy in addition to the Ministry of Defence insurance policy.
According to him, “The policy insures our personnel against accidents, injuries, and deaths whenever such tragedies occur so that they can confidently perform their duties knowing that their healthcare and welfare have been fully taken care of.”
The Air Chief added that children of all personnel who died in active service were entitled to NAF educational sponsorship up to tertiary level, advising widows to take advantage of the policy for the education of their children.
According to him, “Rest assured that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to honour the memories of our departed colleagues and take care of their families as much as possible.”.
Earlier, the National President of NAFOWA, Architect (Mrs) Rakiya Abubakar had underscored the unwavering commitment of the association to uphold the welfare and well-being of NAF personnel and their families.
She also stated that the outreach specifically targeted 100 widows of NAF Fallen Heroes with offers of free medical checkups, essential services, and provisions including food items and a cash donation.
This gesture, according to her, serves as a poignant reminder of NAFOWA’s unwavering support for these brave women, which also aligns with the mission of NAFOWA, which is service to humanity.
She emphasised the importance of collective action in creating positive change and urged individuals and organisations to join hands with NAFOWA in its endeavours to uplift and empower those in need.
While expressing gratitude to all partners, volunteers, and supporters for their invaluable contributions, she reaffirmed NAFOWA’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the less fortunate across Nigeria.
Mrs Abubakar also revealed that NAFOWA had, in the last month, distributed wheelchairs and food items in Kano and conducted medical outreaches in Enugu, and these efforts have so far impacted the lives of over 1,350 individuals.
The event had in attendance senior officers from NAF headquarters as well as representatives of various women’s organisations drawn from the Armed Forces and paramilitary organisations.
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