By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, 119 Composite Group, Sokoto, on Saturday hosted its 2025 Base Socio-Cultural Activities alongside a high-level parley between the Chief of Air Staff and Nigerian Air Force veterans, reaffirming the military’s commitment to national unity, professionalism, and civil-military relations.

The annual event, which drew serving and retired Air Force personnel, families, and members of the host community, was designed to strengthen bonds within the Base while celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State was the Guest of Honour and was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Ibrahim Dadi Adare (Dallatun Gobir).

In his address, Hon. Adare commended officers and men of the 119 Composite Group for their relentless efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region. He emphasized that the state government was fully aware of the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and assured that such efforts would not be taken for granted.

He added that the Sokoto State Government would continue to provide maximum support to security agencies, enabling them to safeguard lives and property effectively. Hon. Adare highlighted that the Aliyu administration had recorded significant milestones in human and infrastructural development aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity and promoting inclusive growth.

“Youths and women across the state have been trained and empowered through various programmes to become self-reliant and productive members of society,” he said, adding that the government had supplied operational vehicles and logistics support to enhance patrols and ensure quick responses to distress calls.

Earlier, the Commander of 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Harry Gumut, explained that the socio-cultural activities aim to enhance civil-military relations and foster unity among personnel and host communities. He described the parley with NAF veterans as an opportunity to tap into their wealth of experience and reinforce core military values of discipline, loyalty, and patriotism.

Highlights of the colourful event included cultural displays by various segments of the Base community, comedy performances, tug-of-war competitions, and the traditional lighting of the “vampire,” symbolizing unity, vigilance, and continuity within the Nigerian Air Force.