In celebration of its 61st anniversary, the Nigerian Air Force has launched a nationwide Open Day initiative aimed at deepening public engagement and strengthening civil-military relations.
The event, themed “Come See Your Air Force,” will run from May 1 to 15, 2025, with NAF bases across the country opening their gates to citizens.
According to a statement on Friday by the service’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the initiative provides a rare opportunity for Nigerians to interact directly with the Air Force, explore its operations, and gain firsthand insights into its contributions to national security.
He stated that the activities lined up include guided tours of facilities, aircraft inspections, historical exhibitions, interactive sessions with NAF personnel, documentary screenings, and souvenir distribution.
Participating NAF units in Makurdi, Bauchi, Yenagoa, Kaduna, Enugu, Ikeja, Katsina, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Oshogbo, Minna, the Federal Capital Territory, Victoria Island, Yola, Benin, Kainji, Kano, and Jos will open their gates to welcome civilians from all walks of life on specific days to be announced by the different NAF units.
Visitors can look forward to: Guided tours of facilities; Close-up inspections of aircraft and platforms; Historical exhibitions including photo galleries and mini-museums
Participating bases span key cities such as Makurdi, Bauchi, Yenagoa, Kaduna, Enugu, Ikeja, Katsina, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Oshogbo, Minna, the Federal Capital Territory, Victoria Island, Yola, Benin, Kainji, Kano, and Jos.
Specific dates for each location will be announced by the respective units, ” he added.
He said outreach programmes targeting schools will be conducted, with career talks designed to inspire young Nigerians to consider opportunities in the Air Force.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating: “This Open Day is a reflection of our commitment to transparency, national unity, and pride in service.
We invite all Nigerians to come, see, and connect with their Air Force.”
The Open Day precedes the official anniversary celebrations scheduled for May 13 to 20, 2025
