By Doris Esa
#TrackNigeria: The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will continue to support its member in “every possible ways” to tackle their medical challenges.
Abubakar said in a statement issued in Abuja by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the NAF’s spokesman after he presented a specialised (Motorised) wheel chair to a paralysed retired officer, Flt. Lt. Dauda Philip.
He applauds the retired officer for his dedicated service to the NAF and the nation at large.
“The service would continue to assist its personnel, whether they are serving or retired, we are assuring Philip that the Service would assist him in any way possible to make life comfortable for him,’’Abubakar said.
According to him, the specialised wheelchair was purchased at a cost of 16,577.10 Pounds Sterling.
At the presentation, Philip expressed profound appreciation to the NAF for his magnanimity.
The statement quoted Philip as saying “God has used you to acquire this wheelchair for me, which was promised before you took over the affairs of the NAF.
“I am really grateful for the provision of the wheelchair as it would improve my quality of life.” the elated retired officer said.
Present at the ceremony were the wife of the retired officer, Mrs Naomi Philip, as well as the Chief of Administration, AVM Kingsley Lar.
Others were the Chief of Medical Services, Air Commodore Mohammed Shaibu and other senior officers and staff at the NAF Headquarters.
Daramola said, “The retired officer was involved in a road traffic accident on Sept.13, 2008, in which he sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed.
“In spite of being treated within the country and he was evacuated for advanced care in Egypt and India by the NAF, Philip eventually lost total use of his upper and lower limbs.
“The Philip was subsequently retired from the NAF on Dec.4 2014 with a recommendation that a motorised wheelchair should be provided to aid his movement in retirement.
“However, this was not done, which prompted the retired officer to appeal to the present CAS for the provision of a wheelchair, the CAS, who was hitherto unaware of his predicament, swiftly approved the recommendation and the specialised wheelchair was ordered.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NAF inaugurated a new guest house for its personnel at the NAF Officers’ Mess (NAFOM) NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja on Wednesday.
Daramola said that the new guest house would meet the lodging needs of officers visiting Abuja. (NAN)
