20 Military Personnel Complete Flight Safety Course in Ipetu Ijesa

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening flight safety and human capacity development through specialized training for both military and civilian personnel.

This was emphasized at the graduation ceremony of the Flight Safety Officers’ Course 1/2025, held at the NAF Institute of Safety (NAFIS), Ipetu Ijesa, Osun State.

The event, which took place at the NAFIS Auditorium, marked the third edition of the course since the institute relocated to Ipetu Ijesa in 2022.

12 Weeks of Intensive Training

Twenty (20) participants, drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and NAF civilian staff, completed the 12-week program which began on June 10, 2025.

The course focused on:

Safety procedures

Hazard identification

Risk assessment

Operational risk management

The training aimed at equipping participants with vital skills to mitigate risks in operational environments.

NAF Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, AVM Rasheed Abidoye, described the graduation as a milestone in NAF’s drive towards self-sufficiency through local training.

> “The Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety occupies a strategic place in the life of our service and our nation. It has produced highly trained safety professionals whose work continues to strengthen operational effectiveness, preserve assets, and safeguard lives,” he said.

He further urged the graduates to embrace innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving field of safety management.

Commandant Stresses Importance of Local Training

The Commandant of NAFIS, Group Captain Abdulkadir Bello, highlighted the benefits of local training as cost-effective and impactful.

> “In the past, the service relied on foreign training of its safety personnel. Localizing safety training not only reduces cost but also provides hands-on experience. This is the foundation for effectiveness, efficiency, and capacity preservation,” Bello noted.

Graduates’ Perspective

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Wing Commander Douglas Lakka expressed appreciation to NAF, noting that the course broadened their knowledge of safety management systems, hazard control, and risk assessment.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to outstanding graduates, with high-ranking officers, invited guests, and community leaders in attendance.