DOPRI, Others Decorate, Charge Four Newly Promoted Airmen to Serve Nigeria Better 

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

The Director of Public Relations (DOPRI), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, recently decorated four Airmen in the media unit who were promoted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). 

At the decoration, which took place at the DOPRI’s office at the NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Gabkwet commended the newly promoted soldiers, adding that it was well deserved. 

In his charge to the airmen, he went down memory lane on his career trajectory, adding that it was usually not how far, but how well one comes up the ladder. 

He also urged them to do more with the new ranks they were decorated as the service expects more from them. 

Furthermore, he stressed on the need for them to be more family-conscious by looking out for the welfare of their respective homes. 

To those who missed out on the recent promotion, the DOPRI charged them to keep faith and double up the work, while assuring that no one will be left behind. 

Also speaking, the duo of outgoing Director Information, Group Captain Joel Abioye and his successor, Group Captain Kabiru Aliyu, reminded the airmen that promotion only comes from God, thus, they must put in the work. 

Prior to the speeches, the senior officers  hung the new ranks on the elated airmen, who were full of appreciation to the NAF authorities for deeming them worthy out of the hundreds of others. 

Also, the DOPRI graciously asked THISDAY’s Group Features Editor, Chiemelie Ezeobi, who was on a chance visit to the NAF Headquarters, to decorate one of the airmen. 

While reminiscing on the over a decade hand of fellowship extended by 

Air Commodore Gabkwet,  Ezeobi commended them for the service for the nation and further charged them to work harder in promoting the image of the Nigerian Air Force.

Reminding them that the Pen is still mightier than the Sword, Ezeobi reminded them that without the Information Unit, the activities of the NAF would remain in obscurity. 

Furthermore, she urged them to mentor the younger and upcoming ones because if they can’t impact anyone around them, then they are just occupying space. 

The promoted airmen were Lance Corporal Abubakar Umar Faruq, a member of the BMTC 39/2018, who has served in various NAF units including 651 Base Services Group, Air Force War College Markurdi, 551 NAF Station, Jos and currently with HQ NAF; Lance Corporal Babalola Divine Oluwayinka, a member of the Basic Military Course 38/2017; Coporal Yahaya Muhammed, a member of the BMTC 30/2012 with a Diploma in Estate Management but with passion for photograph and photo journalism, which he is pursuing at the directorate; and Lance Corporal Terhemen Anger Anyam, member of the BMTC 39/35705 with training on Camera Operating Technics obtained from NTA TV College in Jos.