The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condoled with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and families of personnel killed in the aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The agency’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as a painful loss to the nation, saying the fallen personnel demonstrated “courage, discipline, patriotism and commitment to national service”.
Issa-Onilu said their sacrifice in protecting the country would not be forgotten, adding that the personnel had paid the supreme price in the service of Nigeria.
The NOA chief said the agency would intensify efforts to ensure proper observance of the national flag during the three-day mourning period declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Under the directive, the national flag is to be flown at half-mast as the country mourns the fallen personnel.
Issa-Onilu described the national flag as “a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and shared identity”, urging Nigerians to observe the mourning period with dignity and respect.
He commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, assuring them of the agency’s solidarity as they mourn their colleagues.
The Director-General also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, acknowledging the pain of losing loved ones who died while serving the nation.
He urged Nigerians to use the mourning period to reflect on the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and the responsibility of citizens to uphold patriotism, national unity and respect for the country’s national symbols.
Issa-Onilu prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed personnel and for God to grant their families, colleagues and the entire Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
He reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to promoting national values, civic responsibility and respect for national symbols across the country.
