Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi has described technology as a sector where the government must invest in as a key component in the fight against modern terrorism.

The Minister, who stated this, on Friday, 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.

"If I were to be in charge of the budget, I would have loved to improve on the budget of NAF and other armed forces 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 had invested enough in home grown technology.

"I'm quite impressed with the technology innovations we just saw in display here at AFIT. These students came up with the idea and fabricated those things. This means the Institute is doing wonderfully well as evident in these students which I think can always improve upon.

"If I can advice, I will suggest that we improve on the capacity of airmen and airwomen right from the institute. The world today is not about number of people you put in place, but your level of technology. One technological breakthrough can do the job of 1 million security men. What is key in the modern warfare is technology and we have to equip our military to do that more effectively.

"I am aware that you have projects involving the design and production of a light trainer aircraft locally. With your pedigree, I have no doubt that you will accomplish these landmark projects and remarkable technological feats for the benefits of our dear nation.

"I know that you could not have achieved this much without the support, encouragement and leadership of the amiable and visionary Chief of Air Staff who is also the chairman of AFIT governing council," he added.

Declaring the convocation open earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar noted that, the Institute was already investing heavily in 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 help succeed to this point are in consonance with Mr. President’s change mantra and upholding them have 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.

"This, undoubtedly, has been achieved because of his good sense of duty as well as the tremendous support he receives from all members of the Institute’s academic and non-academic staff. I equally appreciate the diligence of the Graduation Organizing Committee in organizing today’s event."

The COAS, 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 one or two years would definitely be put to task.

•Photo by Israel Ibeleme shows COAS, Air Marshal SB. Abubakar, Min. of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi and Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology, AVM I Bukar, during the 46th Convocation Ceremony of Air Force Institute of Technology, in Kaduna.

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