The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has expressed its intentions to exploit the possibility of tapping into the abundant skills and competences that abound within Nigerians in the diaspora especially those with expertise in the fields of human capacity development, technological advancement and areas that are relevant to defence and security.
Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, disclosed this during a courtesy visit paid him by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
TheFact Nigeria reports that the CAS also expressed support for the proposed Diaspora Defence and Security Conference soon to be held in the country, and 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 commended 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 considering her rich pedigree as a public servant and as a politician.
In her remarks, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa noted 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.
The NiDCOM chief also said of the proposed Diaspora Security Conference, that it 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 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.
