The newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Thursday, assumed office as the 22nd Air Chief as Air Marshal Oladayo Amao bowed out of the service.
Until his appointment, the new CAS was the Chief of Standards and Evaluation at Air Force Headquarters.
In his maiden speech, Abubakar appreciated the Almighty God for the unique privilege to lead the Nigerian Air Force at this crucial time in the life of the nation.
He said his appointment came at a time that the expectations of Nigerians towards accelerated actualisation of peace and security was high.
Abubakar said NAF under his command would reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and a host of other challenges bedeviling the country.
He promised to sustain the cooperation and joint efforts that existed between the air force and sister services during the tenure of the outgoing service chiefs, adding that it was responsible for the successes achieved in the various theatres of operations.
The new CAS congratulated his predecessor for his achievements and distinguished career in the military and pledged to continue to build on his legacies, as well as do more to move NAF to higher heights.
He thanked the President and Commander in Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for the honour and privilege he gave him to serve as the air chief.
[Immediate past Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao handing over flag to the new CAS, AVM Hassan Abubakar in Abuja on Thursday]
In his valedictory speech, the outgone Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao, expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to serve the nation and lead the air force, describing it as a special privilege.
Amao said that NAF was able to attain greater heights in line with his vision for the service with recorded successes in key areas.
The areas according to him include doctrinal development, air operations, human capacity development, fleet enhancement, establishment of new units, and directorates.
Others include logistics support, system research and development, personnel management, and safety standards.
He said the capacity of NAF to conduct air operations across the full spectrum of air power employment and interdictions had significantly improved.
According to him, the Nigerian effort is now able to expeditiously conduct simultaneous combat operations, night operations, and precision strikes.
He urged the new CAS to ensure optimal operational capacity of the air force to sustain and surpass the ongoing efforts at eradicating insurgencies, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country.
Amao commended the support of the Federal Government in the development of capacity of personnel, which enhanced their efficiency and effectiveness.
He also appreciated the government for the acquisition of new platforms and several other major support equipment.
Amao expressed confidence that the new chief would lead NAF effectively given his humility, excellent career, leadership qualities, wealth of experience, and outstanding accomplishments in previous appointments.
He said the new CAS was part of the successes recorded when he served as the Air Officer Commanding Logistic Command and Chief of Standards and Evaluation, where he contributed to the improved safety records that NAF currently has.
