Air Force gives palliatives to 250 households in Kaduna

AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

As part of activities to mark its 56th anniversary and cushion effects of COVID-19 lockdown on host communities, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has supported 250 households with palliatives in Kaduna.

The 250 households were selected from the NAF’s host communities of Barakallahu and Kauya, both in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking at the distribution of  the palliatives to 100 households at Barakallahu yesterday, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Musa Mukhtar said the Chief of Air Staff graciously approved that palliative measures be given by all its command headquarters to neighbouring communities.

The gesture, according to the AOC, is a testimony of the long-standing relationship which exists between the NAF and its host communities adding, “It is not the quantity of what was given that matters but the spirit behind it.”

READ ALSO: Oyo makes u-turn, set to return FG’s palliatives

He said: “It is gratifying to note that the service has the interest of its neighbours at heart in view of the present situation we find ourselves occasioned by the COVID-19 global pandemic outbreak. This calls for a sober reflection among all citizens in the promotion of love, good neighbourliness and reaching out to the less privileged.

“The need for us to stay safe through the promotion of personal hygiene, social distancing and taken all precautionary measures is therefore paramount.

“We would continue to support community development oriented programmes in Kaduna State. I want to thank all elders of the communities and beneficiaries of the NAF palliatives here present for giving us the opportunity to render our assistance to assuage the hardship been experienced by our people at this crucial time”,he said.

The Commandant, NAF Institute of Safety, Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Chukwu, who distributed the palliatives to 150 households in Kauya village, said the gesture is an indication that the Air Force cares about its host communities.

The District Head of Rigachikun, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Sani, who was represented by his Private Secretary, Kamal Abdul, during the distribution, thanked the service for extending its hand of help to host communities.

Similarly, some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the force for remembering them during the trying moment occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.