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NAF To Improve Military Technology, Weaponry
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said it would continue to intensify efforts in local Research and Development (R&D) programmes to improve military technology and weaponry for modern warfare.
The Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF, AVM Micheal Onyebashi, said this during the logistics command 2024 inter-units research and development competition at 631 Aircrafts Maintenance Depot, Lagos.
The theme of the competition was: ‘Building Air Power Capability Through Prioritisation Of R&D To Improve Logistics Support For NAF Operational Effectiveness”.
The Tide source reports that nine NAF units participated in the competition with a total of 10 projects displayed.
Onyebashi, represented by the Director, R&D, NAF, AVM Samuel Okoro. said that armed forces of more advanced nations were renowned for pioneering efforts in revolutionary researches and breakthrough discoveries in various areas.
According to him, such landmark products and discoveries from military research and development have contributed immensely to the improvement of military technology and weaponry which has greatly impacted modern warfare.
“NAF understands the importance of research and innovation in order to efficiently fulfil its assigned roles, therefore, the service places a high premium on R&D,” he said.
The AVM said that the programme was in line with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar’s command Philosophy – “prioritising R&D leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnership and lessons learnt”.
“This competition is, therefore, an indication that the logistics command in particular and NAF in general are equally aspiring to leave their footprints on the global stage.
“Currently, the nation is facing multifaceted internal security challenges in the various geo-political zones.
“It has, therefore, become more imperative for NAF to look inwards towards developing indigenous technological capacity and gradually wean itself off the current over dependence on foreign technology,” he said.
Onyebashi commended the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, AVM Yaro Abdullahi, for efforts at harnessing the potential in utilising indigenous resources for research and development projects.
“I am pleased at the number of projects on display at the various stands today.
“It renews the hope that with ingenuity, determination and the right leadership, NAF personnel can indeed achieve much.
“I strongly believe that by joining hands together and building strong partnership, there is no challenge that we cannot surmount as a service and as a nation,” he said.
The AVM said he was optimistic that the event would eventually produce products to aid the enhancement of NAF operations and development of the nation at large.
He urged the command to ensure fruitful collaborations with relevant stakeholders to fund more R&D activities.
Speaking, Abdullahi said the objective of the competition was to showcase the command’s creativity towards finding solution to operational, maintenance and other service related problems in the force.
“Nigerian Air Force being a technology driven organisation places a high premium on research and development.
“One of the cardinal enablers of the Chief of Air Staff command philosophy is “proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture.
“To further promote the noble idea and ensure its actualisation, the headquarters of NAF introduced the annual R&D competition at the command and unit levels,” he said.
The AOC said t was necessary to look inwards to solve the challenges encountered in procuring aircraft spares, weapons and equipment acquisition for prosecution of war against terrorism and banditry.
“Therefore, it has become necessary for NAF to provide some of its defence equipment and system needs through innovative knowledge and skills.
“It is gladdening that logistics command is contributing its quota towards achieving the desired self-reliance aimed at sustaining NAF operations across the country,” he said.
Abdullahi commended the participating units for committing their resources and to come up with the projects in spite other competing demands in the unit.
He also thanked the Chief of Air Staff for providing the enabling environment for the competition to hold.
The Tide source reports that 631 Armament Support Group, Kainji with the design and construction of A-29 Super Tucano Electrically operated external store loader received the first position.
While 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot with the design and fabrication of Actuators and Valves Test Stand came second, the Communications Information Systems Depot, Shasha, with the design of the Tactical Mobile Combat Helmet received the third position.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.