Abuja – Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Friday commended former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar (Rtd), for a selfless service to the nation.

Abubakar gave the commendation at a public presentation of a book: “The Pursuit of Providence, A Biography of Air Marshal Mohammed Umar (Rtd)”.

The book was authored by Mr Madu Onuorah, the Bureau Chief of the Guardian Newspaper, Abuja.

Abubakar said Umar’s perspective had been put into reality for the teeming youths an the public.

“As Umar performed his job, I observed a very humble and discipline officer, who could deprive himself of comfort to assuage others.

“In Umar, I have found a man whose presence in the cockpit impressed his subordinate and passengers alike.

“I have also come to appreciate Umar as a pilot, who is always focused, self disciplined and consistent in applying good judgement, especially during decision making process.

“As I watch him grow in the service, I was not surprised to see him reach the pinnacle of his career in Nigerian Air Force (NAF).”

Abubakar said that during his tenure, NAF witnessed unprecedented growth and development, particularly in the areas of pilot and non-pilot training.

“This and many more had been captured in his biography for prosperity and to serve as an impetus to the youths and future leaders.

“This, he achieved by the support of his seniors and colleagues.”

In his speech, Onuorah said his job was made easy by officers of the air force, both serving and retired, who werehad contacted on the project.

“I was to make available to the public the value of the Nigerian military of which Umar was so proud to be part of.

“In essence, the book is just the biography of Umar, though not written to re-invent him, but rather to see him for whom he is.

“Readers are given the opportunity not just to know about the man, but also about the contemporary issues that he faced as an officer.”

Prof. Emmanuel Ezugwu, while reviewing the book, described Umar as an officer to be reckoned with considering the efforts and strength put into NAF while serving his country.

He commended the author, who took interest in the traits and positive impact of Umar to NAF and the country.

“Onuorah took up the task of writing the biography of Umar from October 8, 2008, out of love for the personality of the officer,” he said.

Earlier, Umar said the idea to document his life history came from his close associates three years ago.

He said his life had been one of God’s handiwork from his humble beginning in Kano through his sojourn in the military to the pinnacle in the Air Force.

“Mine is a narrative about audacity of hope and faith in oneself.

“Having found myself in the Air force, never for once have I doubted the power of providence in the pursuit of my dreams.”

– NAN