The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, joined various dignitaries and well-wishers in Ibadan for the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The event coincided with the 160th Anniversary of the Nigerian Army (NA) and featured an impressive showcase of the Nigerian Army’s arsenal, parades, and the Physical Training Corps’ calisthenics display.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also contributed to the occasion by providing airlift support with C-130 aircraft and Mi-117 helicopters for the rappelers and paratroopers of the Nigerian Army, who demonstrated remarkable skills, courage, and professionalism.

The event was well-attended, highlighting the commendable synergy and coordination between the NAF aircrew and the NA troops.

During his time in Ibadan, the Chief of Air Staff also undertook an inspection of the ongoing projects at the new NAF Base located in the Ajia Community.

It is worth recalling that in April 2022, the Oyo State Government generously donated a 58-hectare land in Ajia Community, Ibadan, to the Nigerian Air Force for the establishment of a permanent NAF Base.

The completion of this new base holds the promise of enhancing the NAF’s readiness and responsiveness to security challenges in the State.

The strategic location of the new base near the Ibadan Airport positions it as an alternate airfield to the Lagos airfield, enabling seamless and efficient air operations in the Southwest Region of Nigeria.