President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Nigerian Airforce has
achieved an important milestone in its history with the success of the
international Helicopter Flying School Enugu.
He said the achievement has not only helped to boost the capacity and
capability of the Airforce but that of the Nigerian Armed Forces as
whole.
The President who stated this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of
the first 42 helicopter pilots of the school, said the success of the
project was a clear demonstration that the Airforce was heading in the
right direction in its quest to reposition itself among its
contemporaries in other countries.
Represented by the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, the President
lauded the quality of training at the school adding that it was good
enough to compete with international standards.
While commending the officials of the Airforce for the feat, President
Jonathan urged the graduands to demonstrate excellence and
professionalism in their duties in order to help take Airforce and the
nation to higher levels.
In their separate speeches, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal
Adesola Amosu and the Rector of the School, Group Captain I.A Yahaya
commended the federal government for providing the necessary resources
for the effective development of the school and promised to ensure
that it met all the expectations of the government.
In his remark at the occasion, a prominent businessmen Prince Arthur
Eze said Enugu State has become the best place to invest in Nigeria
saying that credit for this would go to Governor Sullivan Chime who he
said, has “completely transformed the State”.
He commended the federal government for its commitment to the project
adding that its location in Enugu has helped to boost the city’s
reputation in the development of indigenous capacity.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning and inspection of
facilities in the school and presentation of certificates to the
graduands.
Dignitaries who witnessed the event included Governor Sullivan Chime
of Enugu State and his Deputy, Rev Raphael Nwoye, former Governor of
old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo among others