By Iliya Kure
The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has commended Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for sustained efforts in the fight against terrorism in the North East as well as containing other forms of security challenges across the country.
National President of NCWS, Gloria Shoda made the commendation when she led a delegation of the Association on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Mrs. Shoda stated that the Association strongly believes in the efforts of the NAF towards restoration of lasting peace in the North East. She described the NAF air operations as commendable and deserving of national applause.
“On behalf of the Nigeria women we want to express appreciation and gratitude to the NAF for its noble and patriotic efforts to be a model fighting force to defend Nigeria’s airspace, especially the insurgency in North East Nigeria,” she said.
The NCWS President also used the opportunity to commiserate with families of officers and men who lost their lives in the line of duties. ‘‘We offer condolences to the families of fallen heroes especially, the wife of the instructor pilot who lost his life in a recent air mishap”.
Responding, the CAS lauded NCWS for adding value to the society, especially as it pertains to women advocacy. 
Abubakar also appreciated the Association for its condolences and goodwill message over the recent air mishap, describing it as unfortunate incident and a reminder of the hazards associated with the flying profession.
The CAS says NAF remains gender sensitive, as the Service could boast of significant number of female officers, some of who are pilots that are excelling, informing the delegation of the establishment of new girls’ schools, as part of efforts to promote girl-child education.
According to the CAS, aside from its air operations in the Northeast and other parts of the country, the NAF was also involved in numerous humanitarian programmes, some of which are targeted at widows.
He said NAF had created skills acquisition programmes and that about 150 each had graduated from the Scheme in Makurdi, Maiduguri and Lagos while another 150 would soon graduate in Port Harcourt.
The CAS then pledged the willingness of the NAF to support the Association’s activities, particularly in the Northeast and other part of the country.
