The Chief of Air Staff,(CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Tuesday urged Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Nurses, to master emergency preparedness and maintain operational continuity during emergencies.
Abubakar gave the charge at the inauguration of a week-long training on Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme for NAF Nurses held at AVM SM Shinkafi Auditorium, 462 NAF Hospital, Kaduna
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN (NAN) reports that the Air Chief was represented by Air Commodore Azubike Chukwuka, Air Training Command’s Medical Officer.
The training was organised via a collaboration between the NAF College of Nursing Sciences as well as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
The theme of the training is: ‘Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response in the Nigerian Air Force’.
Abubakar said, “In an era marked by increasing global challenges, be they natural disasters, epidemics, or tumultuous conflicts, the role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, has never been more critical.
“Your expertise forms the backbone of our medical response capabilities; your training and readiness directly reflect on the NAF’s ability to maintain operational continuity during emergencies.”
According to him, the military landscape has evolved;saying,”the complexities we face now require us to think not just about combat readiness, but also about humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.”
He added that in recent years, Nigeria had witnessed the devastating impact of flooding, epidemics, and other emergencies.
Abubakar said, ” Such events pose grave threats not just to our personnel but to the communities we are sworn to protect.
“This training serves as a strategic platform to enhance your knowledge and skills in emergency preparedness and disaster response.
“Throughout these days, you will dive deep into invaluable insights, learn innovative best practices, and hone critical competencies that resonate directly with our core mission.”
According to the CAS,their role as nurses goes beyond just caring for the sick and injured.
Abubakar charged, ‘You must understand that your training not only improves your professional dues but fosters resilience within the ranks of the NAF.
“I encourage you to challenge the status quo, ask incisive questions, and be open-minded to new ideas.$
The CAS told the participants that the knowledge they gained here would empower them, not just as individuals, adding, ” but as a unit making our Air Force a more cohesive and formidable force prepared to meet any challenge head-on.”
Abubakar highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare workers and nurses, stating, ” this synergistic relationship would enhance the efficacy of NAF operations.”
He also emphasised the need to leverage state-of-the-art resources, medical technologies, and strategic partnerships to provide the highest standard of care.
Abubakar called on the NAF nurses to recall their noble calling as healthcare professionals and to embrace the training program with a commitment to excellence in service.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support to NAF and commended the Chief of Medical Services, Commandant and staff of the college for their efforts in improving medical service delivery.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commandant, NAF College of Nursing Sciences, Wing Commander Boyi Elisha, said that the programme would equip the nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.
He said that the programme would enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of NAF nurses, enabling them to provide the required services.
Elisha expressed gratitude to Abubakar , the Chief of Medical Services, and the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, for their support and contributions to the programme.
He also thanked the resource persons for sharing their expertise and the nurses for their dedication to providing quality nursing services.
“The programme is a testament to NAF’s commitment to delivering high quality training and advancing the nursing profession, “Elisha added. (NAN)
