The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is deeply committed to supporting youths’ development through education, technology, and empowerment.

Mr Hassan made the commitment at the 301 Heavy Airlift Group(HAG), Cooperative Summer Robotics Training and Coding Exhibition and Graduation, Kaduna Centre at NAF Base Kaduna on Saturday.

He was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun

He said, “Today marks a significant milestone not just for the 301 HAG Cooperative Society and the NAF base, Kaduna Community but also for the future of Nigeria.”

He said this summer robotics and coding training, conducted for the first time here in Kaduna, was more than an educational programme.

Mr Abubakar said, “It is a bold declaration that the future belongs to those who dare to innovate, learn and lead.

“To see these young children from both primary and secondary schools engage in robotics, programming, and digital problem-solving is nothing short of inspiring.

“You are not just learning how to code or build machines, you are also learning how to think critically, collaborate effectively and imagine boldly.

“These are the very skills that will shape the next generation of engineers, scientists as well as tech innovators and leaders in our country.”

Mr Abubakar said the Nigerian Air Force had long recognised the power of technology in shaping national defence and development.

He added that the service also understood that the seeds of innovation must be planted early.

“They bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement while serving as motivators to the attainment of dreams,” the CAS added.

The air chief congratulated the management and members of the 301 HAG Cooperative Multipurpose Society for the laudable initiative.

Mr Abubakar commended the lead facilitator and coaches for diligently organising the programme.

He added, “You have not only taught technical skills to these young ones, but you have also ignited curiosity and confidence in them.

” To the parents and guardians, thank you for believing in your children and supporting their journey into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Mr Hassan to the young graduands, you are the pioneers of this programme, and you are proof that age is no barrier to brilliance.

”Whether you built your first robot, wrote your first line of code, or simply discovered a new passion, you have taken a step that many never dare to take.

“I urge you, therefore, to keep going, keep building and keep dreaming.”

According to Mr Abubakar, the recently concluded CAS Literary Competitions and several other NAF initiatives were targeted at the youths.

Mr Abubakar said, “This is to provide an unequivocal testament to this commitment.

“Indeed, this robotics and coding training program also aligns perfectly with that vision.

Earlier, the president of the 301 Heavy Airlift Group Cooperative Multipurpose Society, Group Cpt John Igwenagum, said the event was a milestone for the children and the cooperative

Mr Igwenagum said the summer robotics and coding programme was a flagship corporate social responsibility initiative of the 301 HAG aimed at empowering children with skills for the future.

He said the first edition was conducted in Lagos, with 45 kids trained out of the over 400 who showed interest.

The president said, following the success of the first edition and the subsequent desire to extend it beyond Lagos, Kaduna stood out as the natural choice.

According to him, this year’s programme was inaugurated on Aug. 4 , with 50 children from both Primary and Secondary Schools selected to participate in Lagos and Kaduna, respectively.

He emphasised the importance of the programme in aligning with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy, which prioritises research, development, and leveraging cutting-edge technology.

He said the programme had equipped children with skills in robotics, programming, and problem-solving, enabling them to think critically and imagine solutions to real-world challenges.

The president said the potential of the programme was to prepare the children for the global knowledge economy and to think creatively..

He disclosed that the cooperative had introduced several welfare schemes to support the members in Kaduna, including subsidised sales of commodities and other benefits.

“The cooperative aims to build a community that cares and shares, improving the lives of its members,“ he said.

The president expressed gratitude to the participants, organisers and supporters of the programme.

Awards were given to groups and individuals who distinguished themselves during the period.

(NAN)