Buhari Seeks Collaboration Between NAF, Innovative Institutions

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to work towards collaboration and partnership with technological-innovative institutions, industries and individuals.

Rpresented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari gave the task at the ceremonial parade and aerial display marking the 59th Anniversary Celebration of NAF in Enugu on Saturday.

Buhari urged NAF to increase its local capacity building through practical and purposeful collaboration and partnership with technological-innovative institutions, industries and individuals in order to improve on its platforms to counter contemporary and emerging security challenges.

"However, I have had discussion with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, and he told me that collaborations with our universities and research institutions are already ongoing and I urge us to expand on it.

“There is a great amount of potential waiting to be unleashed from this collaboration and partnership.

"This administration has committed substantial national resources to enhance the overall capabilities of the Armed Forces especially the NAF”, he stated.

The president also inducted some new platforms of NAF, which included: DA-62 (Special Mission Aircraft) and Wing Loong II (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

The event was attended by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao and representative of Chief of Navy Staff.