NAF Day Celebrations: Personnel Engage Host Community in Novelty Match

Chiemelie Ezeobi

As part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), it’s personnel from the Logistics Command in Lagos, engaged it’s host community in a novelty match.

The Air Force personnel defeated its host community, Mafoluku, 1-0 in a football match which took place at Ato Field inside the Sam Ethnan Base in Ikeja.

In an interview with journalists after the game, the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ekeh, said the novelty match was organised to enhance civil-military relations in the area

He said, “Other activities lined up for the NAF 54th anniversary includes, aerial display, medical outreach, ceremonial parade and gala night.

“As we all know, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, supported good and cordial civil military relations and has approved some of the programmes on civic activities as part of the event for the anniversary.”

The AOC said the novelty match with the host community was in line with the CAS’ vision, aimed at fostering the existing cordial relationship between the duo.

“If we are at peace with our home communities, progress is faster and that is why the CAS is passionate about civil military relations.

“Apart from what happened today, we have the rocket team that participates in the national league,” he said.

The traditional ruler in the community, Oba Shakirudeen Adeshina, commended the military for its efforts in sustaining civil military relations among the communities.

Asides the novelty match, there were other activities like the Tug Of War and cultural display which spiced up the occasion.

Present at the novelty match was the 651 Base Group Commander, Air Commodore Musbau Olatunji and other senior officers.

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