by Seyi Lawal

Blessing Liman joined 29 other pilots recently to become combat flying officers.  At a well-attended ceremony hosted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, history was made as the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja produced its first female combat pilot in Abuja sub-region following the badge decoration (winging) of  Flying Officer.

According to a Vanguard report; the Pilot officers had in the last 12 months undergone various training programmes said to have cost billions of Naira ($650, 000 each) within the country and abroad in countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Greece, Pakistan, and Egypt include 14 fighter jet pilots.

Liman, an indigene of Zango Kataf, Kaduna state, was born on 13 March, 1984. She enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force in July 2011 and was commissioned on 9 December, 2011. Her outstanding performance helped her in attaining the historical height. 

Present at the ceremony to add colour to the feat achieved by Liman, were minister of State for Defence, Erelu (Dr) Olusola Agbeja Obada, the leadership of the National Council for Nigerian Society (NCNS), the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Jubril, Mrs. Appolonia Petirin, Mrs. Ihejirika and Mrs. Dikko Umar.