President Goodluck Jonathan today unveiled a drone made by the Nigeria Airforce. However, the drone named “GULMA” though it was also not tested in flight. The name of the unmanned Aerial Vehicle Gulma an Hausa word meaning Gossip.
In his speech while unveiling the drone which was designed and constructed by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in collaboration with other local institutions said; “Today marks another landmark moment in our nation’s history, as we gather here, to witness the unveiling of our country’s first indigenous unmanned aerial vessel, which has been designed and constructed by the Nigeria Air Force.Besides its diverse military application, unmanned aerial vessel provides mankind with a range of benefits; in disaster management, power line surveys, law enforcement, telecommunications, weather monitoring, and aerial imaging/mapping. It is also rapidly, becoming an important tool in news coverage, environmental monitoring, and oil and gas exploration.”
Speaking further President Jonathan said; “Considering the potential impact of its benefit and versatility, I cannot but say, how proud I am of the men and women of our Armed Forces. Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and to keep their civilian counterparts, on their toes.In the year past we have launched the first indigenous combat vessel, developed by our Navy, and various Armoured and operational vehicles developed byNigerian Army. To all of you, I say thank you. Your collective efforts have opened a new vista of innovation and opportunity for our nation.”
“Today, as we stand in appreciation of the gallant men and women of our Air Force, we are reminded that hard work and diligence can break many barriers. I will like to especially commend the Chief of Air Staff and all officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force, for this pioneering achievement, which will strengthen our nation, and enhance our role in peace keeping and in conflict prevention.
“With only a few weeks to our centenary celebration as a nation, this achievement is a shining sequin on the icing of our 100 years Anniversary cake. I congratulate all Nigerians, who are surely and steadily, beginning to manifest the new awareness of self-reliance and global competition.
“When we outlined the objectives of the Transformation Agenda, it was in the firm belief that Nigeria possesses the potentials to place it at the forefront of global prominence, in technology, and in the economy. I am proud that the Nigerian Air Force has keyed into this vision, and has today underlined its commitment to record eventrailblazing achievements.”
Jonathan said; “It is our fervent hope that this stride by the Nigerian Air Force would mark a turning point for indigenous technology, in every sector of our national life, thereby rapidly facilitating our march towards a prosperous Nigeria. Let me assure the Air Force of the Federal Government’s support for this and all other research projects. We will encourage and assist private sector concerns to key in, in order to achieve through mass production, the highest and best commercial use of this prototype Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.”
“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I recognize that the road to this accomplishment was paved with several daunting challenges. By successfully overcoming these challenges, you have demonstrated beyond doubt, the indomitable and resilient Nigerian spirit. As I said in my Independence Day address “our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens.” Indeed, indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving national greatness.”
The President added that; “To retain our importance on the global stage, we must continue to produce leaders in science, technology, and engineering, and invest more in ideas. We must not forget the lesson of this encouraging moment in our nation’s history – that as Nigerians we are capable of great. In the same manner, we must not forget that ahead of us still lie challenges that we must surmount.”
