President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, in Kaduna, appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the present economic hardship in the country, noting it is a temporary sacrifice that will soon come to an end.

Tinubu, who spoke at the 60th anniversary celebration parade, aerial display and flying out parade for 30 Air Vice Marshal’s and nine Air Commodores who are members of 37 and 38 regular course of the Nigerian Air Force, pledged to continue to support the modernisation of the NAF capacities for enhanced national security.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the theme of the celebration, ‘NAF at 60: leveraging strategic partnership in aerospace innovations for regional security’ was apt as the Federal Government had made substantial investment in procuring state-of-the-art multi-role combat air attack helicopters and other platforms to enhance NAF’s capabilities.

Tinubu, who also commended the aerial display and combat readiness of personnel, said it attested to their dedication to duty and restated that security was a top priority of his administration.

He noted that development could not be guaranteed in an insecure environment.

The President said, “We have made substantial investment in procuring state-of-the-art multi-role combat air attack helicopters and other platforms that will enhance the NAF’s capabilities. Some of the platforms include surveillance aircrafts, T129 attack helicopters, Augusta 109 multi-role helicopters, Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, M46 attack aircraft, among others.

“I want to also use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to be more patient with the economic hardship being faced. It is a temporary sacrifice that will come to an end soon.”

Tinubu maintained that the best way to understand contemporary security challenges was to adopt a societal approach and promised to continue supporting the NAF and the armed forces in general towards the realisation of the nation’s quest for peace and security.

The President also congratulated the AirForce on its 60th anniversary, while praying for the repose of the souls of those who had died in the service to the nation.