NAF Plans Musical
NAF Plans Musical Directorate
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated its first set of
pipers at a colourful ceremony held at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive
Abuja, which signaled the formal induction of the Pipe Band into
the NAF.
Twenty-five NAF personnel, comprising 22 airmen and 3 airwomen,
successfully completed the course.
The establishment of the Pipe Band, is in line with one of the
key drivers of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal
Sadique Abubakar’s Vision, that is; “human capacity development
through robust and result oriented training for enhanced
professional performance”. The Pipe Band is a key part of the full
complement of military music systems, hence its induction will add
glamour, aesthetics and pride to NAF ceremonies and events.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the CAS expressed
delight with the level of proficiency of the new NAF Pipe Band,
which he said, attested to the quality of the training they had
received.
He commended the Administration Branch for the initiative,
noting that, with the establishment of the Pipe Band, amongst other
innovations, the Music Specialty, was ripe for upgrade to a
full-fledged Directorate.
The CAS charged the NAF Music personnel not to limit themselves
to parades and military ceremonies but to take a step further to
provide creative performances that will project the good image of
the NAF and enhance civil-military relations.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Administration,
Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Kingsley Lar, acknowledged and
appreciated the noble gesture of the CAS in approving the
establishment of the NAF Pipe Band ensemble to complement the
already existing NAF Band.
The gesture, according to him, would remain an indelible
achievement of the current NAF leadership. He stated that the NAF
Pipe Band Course had almost seemed like a mission impossible
ab-initio, bearing in mind that the Pipe band endeavour is not
common. He thanked the CAS for approving the course and providing
the equipment, uniforms and accessories for the Pipe Band.
Highlights of the Graduation Ceremony included a demonstration
by the graduating students and presentation of certificates and
awards to them. Dignitaries at the event included representatives
of the Chiefs of Army and Naval Staff, Directors from the Ministry
of Defence as well as Branch Chiefs from Headquarters NAF along
with several other senior military officers.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force