By Augustine Ehikioya
With his appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed his resolve to use his new role to swiftly support improvement in the security system in Nigeria.
Noting that his appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff, is both an honour and a humbling experience coming at a crucial period, he said that it is an opportunity and a call to national duty, which he has accepted with the utmost humility.
He spoke while taking over the reins of office from his predecessor, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. Security Watch Africa (SWA) covered the ceremony.
The new CAS also pledged to work with other sister services and security agencies.
He said “I also wish to pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen and air women, to the government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, together, we will discharge our constitutional roles in conjunction with other sister services and security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to bring about swift improvement in the security system in Nigeria.”
The new CAS thanked President Bola Tinubu for the honor and rare privilege extended to him to serve Nigeria as a Chief of the Air Staff.
“It is indeed an honor and privilege for me to step into the shoes of one of Nigerian Air Force finest gentleman who is an astute leader and achiever by excellence.”
He commended his predecessor for the many achievements recorded under him as the 22nd Chief of the Air Staff, adding” “specifically, the successes during the difficult fight against insurgency.”
He went on “I extend to you the best wishes of the officers airmen and air women, civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force as you bow out gracefully after meritorious service to our dear nation, thank you for your service.
“It is my belief that you will still have much more to offer in the service of our beloved country and the Nigerian Air Force,” he stated.
While thanking the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly for the support given to his predecessor, he urged them to extend the same to his as he begins his tenure.
On his part, the immediate past CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, urged his successor to build with conviction, lead with compassion, and serve with courage.
He said “To my successor and to all young men and young women, I leave you this charge, build with conviction, lead with compassion, serve with courage, for when the pages of history turn, may they say of you, they kept the faith, they elevated the standard, and they left the sky bluer than they found it,”
Stressing that the truest meaning of leadership is not in the number of aircraft one flies or the bases one builds, he said, it is the lives one touches, the minds one shapes and the legacy one leaves behind.
“Therefore I urge you, my comrade and brother, sustain what works, refine what must improve and boldly adapt realities of your time. Leadership is not a privilege to enjoy, but a burden to bear with integrity, humility and courage”
The Nigerian Air Force, he said, must remain a sanctuary of fairness and merit where ethnicity yields to excellence and where competence is the only currency of advancement.
According to him, leadership often means making difficult choices, some might not be popular, but necessary.
He also advised that sometime one must work alone to uphold what is right, rather than yielding to convenience or applause.
“A message I will always have for future leaders is this, do not shy away from difficult, do not retreat from the uncomfortable. Take ownership, act decisively. Let integrity be a shield, for titles are transcends, applause is momentary.
“And seasons inevitably change, but honor endures, and history will be kind to those who lead with character, courage and conviction.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in him and the unwavering support given to the service.
“I salute the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of defense staff, and my brother service chiefs for the synergy that defines our collective efforts. To my classmates, I extend my profound gratitude and deep respect.
“Over the years, we have shared trials, triumphs and transformations that have defined our collective journey in the armed forces. May the bond we share as members of that regular cause endure and may we remain guided by the same ideals of loyalty, courage and service to our fatherland.”
He also commended the Branch Chiefs, the Officers, Commanding Commandants, Directors and Commanders, adding “You are the spine of every success story, thank you for your professionalism, integrity and steadfastness.”
The immediate past CAS also extended gratitude to partners and allies, both local and international, for working with NAF in his tenure.
“As I take my leave, I do so with peace in my heart and faith in the enduring spirit of Nigerian Air Force. I’ve seen your courage under fire, your innovation under pressure, your compassion in victory. You are the soul of the service. I will carry its flame into the future,” he stated.
