The Chief of the Air Staff, (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will exploit the possibility of tapping into the abundant skills and competence  that abound within Nigerians in the diaspora.

He made this known when he played host to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The CAS assured the Commission of NAF’s interest in seeking partnership with Nigerians in the diaspora especially those with expertise in the fields of human capacity development, technological advancement as well as areas that are relevant to defence and security.

The CAS also expressed support for the proposed Diaspora Defence and Security Conference soon to be held in the Country, just as he stated that the Conference would serve as the most appropriate avenue for the NAF and other government agencies to synergize and exploit the enormous resource base of Nigerians plying their trades overseas for national development.

Air Marshal Amao also commended Honourable Dabiri-Erewa for effectively engaging Nigerians in the diaspora for meaningful contributions to national development and for her selfless service to Nigeria which was not surprising in view of her rich pedigree as a public servant and as a politician.

In her remarks, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa noted that the Commission was looking forward to synergizing and collaborating with the NAF particularly in the areas of defence and security, human capacity development as well as any other field of interest to the NAF.

She added that several Nigerians worldwide excelling in various endeavours, including military-related fields, have expressed interest in returning home to contribute their quota towards national development.

Honourable Dabiri-Erewa also disclosed that the proposed Diaspora Security Conference was expected to serve as a perfect medium for cross-fertilization of ideas and strategies towards tackling the current security challenges facing the nation.

She also used the occasion of the visit to thank the NAF for its support to the Commission particularly in the airlift of stranded Nigerians in diaspora. Present during the visit were some management staff of NiDCOM as well as some Branch Heads and Directors at NAF Headquarters.

The Chief of the Air Staff, (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will exploit the possibility of tapping into the abundant skills and competence  that abound within Nigerians in the diaspora.

He made this known when he played host to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The CAS assured the Commission of NAF’s interest in seeking partnership with Nigerians in the diaspora especially those with expertise in the fields of human capacity development, technological advancement as well as areas that are relevant to defence and security.

The CAS also expressed support for the proposed Diaspora Defence and Security Conference soon to be held in the Country, just as he stated that the Conference would serve as the most appropriate avenue for the NAF and other government agencies to synergize and exploit the enormous resource base of Nigerians plying their trades overseas for national development.

Air Marshal Amao also commended Honourable Dabiri-Erewa for effectively engaging Nigerians in the diaspora for meaningful contributions to national development and for her selfless service to Nigeria which was not surprising in view of her rich pedigree as a public servant and as a politician.

In her remarks, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa noted that the Commission was looking forward to synergizing and collaborating with the NAF particularly in the areas of defence and security, human capacity development as well as any other field of interest to the NAF.

She added that several Nigerians worldwide excelling in various endeavours, including military-related fields, have expressed interest in returning home to contribute their quota towards national development.

Honourable Dabiri-Erewa also disclosed that the proposed Diaspora Security Conference was expected to serve as a perfect medium for cross-fertilization of ideas and strategies towards tackling the current security challenges facing the nation.

She also used the occasion of the visit to thank the NAF for its support to the Commission particularly in the airlift of stranded Nigerians in diaspora. Present during the visit were some management staff of NiDCOM as well as some Branch Heads and Directors at NAF Headquarters.

.. Confirms 18 deaths, destructions

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was in Damasak, from Thursday to Friday, after the town was attacked on Tuesday, by Boko Haram insurgents, killing 18 persons and injuring 21.

Zulum traveled alongside Senator Abubakar Kyari representing Borno north, who hails from Damasak, member of house of representatives, representing
Mobbar, Guzamala, and Abadam, Bukar Gana Kareto and some officials.

As part of measures, the Governor held operational meeting with soldiers and other security forces after which he presented 12 security vehicles which include an armoured personnel carrier (APC), and 11 patrol vehicles, to strengthen armed forces and volunteers made up of trained youths in the civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes, helping in the fight against insurgents.

Damasak, headquarter of Mobbar local government area in northern Borno, is located in the fringes of Lake Chad, and it shares border with communities in Niger Republic. The town used to be a producer and exporter of vegetables to target markets within Nigeria, Niger republic and other neighboring countries. Boko Haram had occupied Damasak in 2014 as one of their caliphate, and the insurgents seem interested in the town, apparently for strategic access to raising funds through agriculture and for land routes to Niger republic.

Zulum, spending the night at Damasak, ends speculation that the town had fallen to insurgents’ occupation.

During his stay in Damasak, Zulum had interactions with soldiers and others forces involved in counter insurgency operations.

The Governor interacted with residents, empathized with them and assessed destructions caused by insurgents. Thousands of residents who had fled to border communities in Niger republic returned on Friday.

Governor Zulum confirmed from residents, that 18 people had died, 21 injured, and he saw several property destroyed.

The UN humanitarian hub, private residential houses, a police station, palace of the district head, a primary healthcare centre, and a GSM village were among property destroyed.

The insurgents attacked the town with three gun-trucks, residents told Governor Zulum.

Tuesday’s attack on Damasak was the sixth in two weeks, by the Boko Haram/ISWP groups, residents recalled.

Zulum assured of robust measures being put in place to avert future attacks on Damasak town, by the insurgents.

The Governor directed the strengthening of agricultural activities in Damasak, and he assessed a rice farm which his administration facilitates, to enhance food security.