Innovation Meets Community At AFRDI’s Open Day In Ido-Osun
In the heart of Osun State, something remarkable unfolded at Ido-Osun. As part of the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st Anniversary celebrations, the Air Force Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) opened its gates to the public, for the first time in years, welcoming residents from Osogbo and nearby communities to experience a world often seen from afar.
Guests were guided through the corridors of innovation, where Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Artificial Intelligence labs, and precision CNC machines told stories of local ingenuity powering national defense.
“This is amazing. I never imagined such advanced technology was being developed right here in Osun,” said a young student, as he examined a drone up close.
The exhibitions didn’t stop at tech. Attendees explored displays of NAF equipment, including AK-47 rifles, pistols, and military uniforms, while documentaries and video clips brought the Air Force’s proud legacy to life.
Addressing the crowd, AFRDI’s Director General, Air Vice Marshal PO Oahimire, emphasized the importance of partnership between the military and the public. “The Nigerian Air Force is not just ours, it’s a national treasure, one we all share and contribute to,” he said.
A local community leader captured the spirit of the day perfectly: “This event brought us closer. It showed us the human side of the Air Force, the innovators, the protectors, the patriots. We are grateful.”
Visitors left not just with memories, but with pride, pride in what is being built behind the scenes, and in the people building it.
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