Janet Samuel
The Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for producing a new crop of innovative leaders equipped to tackle Nigeria’s and Africa’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the graduation of 29 senior officers from the Air War College, Makurdi, on 24 September 2025, the Minister, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the graduands as “frontline thinkers and doers” who will inject foresight and proactive leadership into Nigeria’s defence architecture.
He praised the College for equipping participants with strategic skills to interpret directives and integrate diplomatic, informational, military, and economic elements into operations. He also highlighted the participation of officers from Cameroon, Botswana, and Morocco as proof of the College’s growing role in strengthening regional security cooperation.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, charged the graduates to embrace their role as torchbearers of airpower, declaring: “The future of airpower rests in your hands, and your ability to employ it decisively will strike at the very centre of gravity of the adversary.”
The 37-week programme covered leadership, joint operations, strategy, and cyber warfare, culminating in the conferment of the Fellowship of the Air War College. Outstanding participants included Commander PC Onah, who won Overall Best and Best Research Paper, Group Captain CJ Mbam (Second Best), Wing Commander EA Okeke (Third Best), and Lieutenant Colonel PNE Nguoa of Cameroon, who won Best Allied Participant.
Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Barrister Sam Ode mni, also commended the NAF for its commitment to professional military education and the sacrifices of the Armed Forces in safeguarding national sovereignty.
The graduation reaffirmed the NAF’s vision of producing highly skilled leaders ready to advance airpower, deepen international collaboration, and drive innovative responses to today’s complex security environment.
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