As part of the activities of the Nigerian Air Force to mark its 61st anniversary, it opened its gates and history to the public in an Open Day at the Headquarters, Logistics Command, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja, Lagos.
It was a rare opportunity, for the first time, for some pupils and teachers to touch an aircraft or board one. For many Lagosians, it was their very first encounter with the Air Force.
According to one of the teachers, Mrs. Adeyemi said, “I always thought the Air Force was a world far away. Today, they made us feel like we belong in that world too,” she added.
From schoolchildren wide-eyed at the sight of aircraft cockpits, to community leaders shaking hands with Air Force personnel, the day was filled with stories waiting to be told.
Exhibits of uniforms and operations, interactive sessions, and a breathtaking aerial showcase made it more than just a celebration, it became a shared experience.
In his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command (AOC), Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, explained the reasons behind the open day.
“We want these young people to see that the Air Force will always serve the nation—and that one day, we will need patriotic citizens like them to take our place.”
One of the pupils, Little Amina, who clutched a paper jet she made at the craft booth, whispered to her mom: “When I grow up, I want to fly and protect people too.”
Reiterating the efficacy of the day, AVM Ademuwagun described the event as a “bridge, uniting military and civilian hearts through trust and shared national pride.
“Our commitment to cutting-edge technology and strategic defense remains strong,” he added, “but so does our commitment to the people we protect.”
During the open day, there were ground displays to awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers, an event which served as a bold reminder that “the Nigerian Air Force isn’t just defending the skies; it’s uplifting the spirit of the nation.”
In opening its gates, the Nigerian Air Force also opened a door—to understanding, inspiration, and to unity. Because when the skies and the streets come together, a nation truly soars.
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