At launch of Air Force movie, minister craves support for military

Nigerians have been enjoined to support the armed forces in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, and other crimes in the country.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the call, also charged citizens to continue to imbibe the requisite values and keenly exploit every medium that will help to foster unity in the country.

Mohammed made the appeal Tuesday night at the Seminal Premiere of the Eagle Wings motion picture in Abuja.

“Eagle Wings” is a story of the Nigerian Air Force that depicts various aspects of counter-insurgency operations, showing the resilience and dedication of officers and men to ensure peace and security in the face of unrepentant terrorists.

The movie also explores the often tragic, yet thrilling mission in battling for life, peace, and freedom to love, in the face of great danger.

The minister said the movie should be used as a tool for creating awareness in the public about the critical roles of the Air Force in national security and nation-building.

According to him, “the movie we have just enjoyed vividly portrays how the Nigerian Air Force optimally leverages air capabilities and humanitarian efforts, with the available resources and manpower, to win hearts and minds in the overall national strategic approach to attaining victory in the war against terrorism and insurgency.

“I am highly impressed with the quality of production and the professional way in which the actors played their roles. I must say, that Eagle Wings has undoubtedly set a new standard for Nollywood, and would also project the image of the Nigerian Air Force far beyond the shores of our great nation, further boosting Nigeria’s international prestige,” he said.

While welcoming guests at the event, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said it had always been his desire to see the Force break new frontiers that would not only place it on the pedestal of landmark achievements but also set the pace for others to emulate its collective efforts at securing the nation.

According to him, the motion picture emphasises the efficacy of Nigerian Air Force efforts beyond bombs and bullets, to win the hearts and minds of people in troubled areas.