Nigerian Air Force Identifies With Young Innovators As Urban Electric Vehicle Debuts At Price Graduation
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated that advancing youth empowerment, research, and homegrown innovation are key drivers of national development and security. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, championing this vision, has stressed that science and technology must be deliberately aligned with national security imperatives to address emerging challenges. This position was once again demonstrated at the graduation ceremony of the third set of interns at the Peace House Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence (PRICE), held at Gboko, Benue State. Representing the CAS, the Director of Armament Research, Air Vice Marshal NS Okoro, delivered a lecture as Special Guest of Honour, highlighting the central role of youth-driven innovation in building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The exhibition of projects by graduating interns was a testament to this focus on innovation and empowerment. The Urban Electric Mobility Vehicle, designed as a compact electric car for daily commuting, stood out as a practical solution that could be adapted for deployment as a Base Guard Duty Check Vehicle in NAF formations. Other notable innovations included an online-accessible digital reading application with integrated payment systems and a Neonatal Jaundice Detection Device. These projects not only showcased the ingenuity of Nigerian youths but also reflected how research and mentorship can generate solutions that address both societal needs and national security requirements.
The ceremony, attended by eminent traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse, and the Ochi Idoma, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo, further demonstrated the NAF’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and fostering an all-of-society approach to enhance peace and unity in the country. In his remarks delivered on behalf of the CAS, AVM Okoro stated: “The Nigerian Air Force believes that when we empower our youth and align science and technology with national security, we create not just solutions for today, but a foundation for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.” By projecting initiatives like PRICE, the Chief of the Air Staff continues to showcase the NAF as not only a guarantor of national sovereignty but also a partner in socio-economic transformation.
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