- We’re building capacity of our men to achieve that –CAS
From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
Minister of Transport, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on Friday described technology as key in fighting modern terrorism which Nigerian government must invest in now than ever before.
The Minister, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after he attended the 46th convocation ceremony of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna also advocated for improved budget line for Nigerian military forces to enable them improve on their technological advancement.
According to him, “what we need to do if I were to be in charge of budget is to improve on the budget of NAF and other military because it will reflect on the economy in the long run. All those dollars you see people spending on importing technology into the country will be within the country if we have invested enough into home grown technology capability and credibility.
“I’m quite impressed with the technology innovations we just saw in display here at AFIT. These students came up with idea and fabricated those things. This means the Institute is doing wonderfully well as evident in these students which I think can always be improved upon.”
Declaring the convocation open earlier, CAS, the Chairman of the Governing Council and Visitor of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar noted that, the Institute is already investing heavily on the capacity building of its workforce and even students especially within the past two years to enable it compete favourably with the rest of the world.
“I am proud to state that these ideals that have helped us succeed to this point are in consonance with Mr President’s change mantra and upholding them has really enhanced the image of the Institute. I specifically want to commend the Commandant of the Institute for his commitment towards executing the Council’s decisions.”
The CAS however reminded the graduating students that the Nigerian Air Force is currently increasing in size, scope of operations and sophistication in the application of technology based on which he implored them that, the knowledge they have gained in the past two years would definitely be put to task.