The Commandant of the Air Force War College (AFWC), Air Vice Marshal Gambo Adamu Mmbaka, has said the Nigerian Air Force will continue to strengthen its relationship with host communities through initiatives that improve the welfare of residents.
Mmbaka stated this on Saturday during a free medical outreach organised by the Air Force War College in conjunction with the 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Makurdi, for residents of Tyomu Community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The outreach, which formed part of activities marking the College’s 10th anniversary, provided residents with free blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye screening, eyeglasses, medicines and other medical services.
Mmbaka said the initiative was aimed at giving back to Tyomu Community and appreciating residents for their hospitality, goodwill and continued support to the College.
He said the College’s 10 years of existence represented a decade of professional military education, leadership development and preparation of officers for higher responsibilities within the Armed Forces and beyond.
“Tyomu Community is not simply our host. You are an important part of the environment within which the Air Force War College has operated and grown over the years.
“We therefore consider this outreach an opportunity to express our appreciation for your hospitality, goodwill and continued support to the College. Today, we have come not only to celebrate with you, but also to serve you, care for you and share the joy of our 10th Anniversary with you,” he said.
The Commandant said the anniversary celebration could not be confined to the walls of the institution, stressing that it was also an opportunity to reach out to communities that had contributed to its growth.
He expressed hope that the outreach would further strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between the College and the people of Tyomu.
Also speaking, the Commander of 161 NAF Hospital and Coordinator of the outreach, Air Commodore Daniel Akpan, said at least 200 villagers would benefit from the exercise.
Akpan said cases requiring further medical attention would be referred to the NAF hospital as the exercise progressed.
Earlier, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, represented by his vice, Maxwell Adoor, congratulated the War College on 10 years of excellence, professionalism and service to the nation.
“We are particularly delighted that part of the anniversary activities is dedicated to giving back to society through this medical outreach. This gesture reflects the strong relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and the people of Makurdi,” he said.
The Village Head of Tyomu Community, Joseph Nongu, represented by Tondo Thomas, thanked the College for the gesture, saying it had brought relief to members of the community.
A beneficiary, Vataver David, also thanked the War College, saying the eyeglasses he received had helped solve his difficulty in reading and recognising alphabets.
