The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to national security and civil-military cooperation as it celebrated its 61st anniversary with an Open Day event aimed at bridging the gap between the military and the public.
The event, held at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot in Lagos, was part of activities marking the 2025 NAF Day celebration and featured aircraft displays, facility tours, and interactive sessions with Air Force personnel. It attracted school children, members of the public, and stakeholders from various sectors.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, emphasized the importance of demystifying military operations and fostering public trust and understanding of the Air Force’s role in national defense.
“Most people know the job of the Nigerian Air Force is to secure the territorial integrity of our airspace, but they don’t really know how we do it,” he said. “Every year, you see government budgetary allocations to the military, but this Open Day is an opportunity to show the public the real story—how these resources are utilized, the platforms we operate, and the men and women who make it all possible.”
AVM Ademuwagun said the event was designed to enlighten the public on the Air Force’s operations, promote patriotism, and inspire the next generation to consider careers in the military.
“We want to show young people that the Nigerian Air Force is not a mystery. The pilots and engineers they see today were once like them. We are exposing them to the platforms, to the technology, and to the discipline that has sustained our fleet for over six decades,” he added.
He described the atmosphere at the event as one of excitement and renewed interest among young Nigerians, noting that such engagement is critical to building a patriotic base that will sustain the country’s defense architecture in years to come.
“Technology is transforming the nature of warfare. With the rise of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, we are retraining and reorienting our personnel to meet new threats. The Nigerian Air Force has embraced cutting-edge platforms and continues to modernize its operations. We are not just looking at today—we are preparing for the future,” he said.
AVM Ademuwagun also addressed public curiosity about the defense budget and military expenditure, stating that openness and accountability are essential in fostering confidence.
“This is part of our effort to show Nigerians that the Air Force is transparent, responsible, and committed to delivering value for every naira spent. We want the public to see what we do, how we do it, and the dedication of those who do it, day and night,” he said.
The Air Officer Commanding reiterated NAF’s continued role in maintaining national security, noting that civil-military cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and development.
“The Nigerian Air Force is committed to protecting this nation and supporting internal security operations. But we need serious, patriotic citizens to take over tomorrow. Events like this are meant to bridge the gap, build trust, and ensure that the safety of our country is not compromised now or in the future,” he concluded.
The Open Day was one of several activities lined up to mark the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st anniversary, showcasing its evolving capabilities, strategic outlook, and growing emphasis on people-centered operations.