The immediate past Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (rtd) has stated that he was leaving the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fulfilled and with a sense of pride and accomplishment having reached the peak of his career as the 21st CAS.
Air Marshal Amao made this known while delivering his valedictory speech at the colourful fly-out ceremony organized in his honour at the NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja.
“I am also having a tinge of nostalgia and the realization that I would really miss this great Nigerian Air Force Family. Nevertheless, I am greatly comforted by the scripture saying that there is time for everything under the sun. ”
He noted that during his tenure, in spite of numerous challenges, the NAF demonstrated unmatched capability and tenacity in addressing contemporary security challenge
“We have maintained a state of readiness, adapting to the ever-evolving threats and ensuring the protection of our airspace as well as safety and security of our dear country. It has been a great honour as well as a very challenging and yet fulfilling endeavours”, he said.
Congratulating NAF personnel whom he described as “capable and dedicated”, for the roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, he said “Your professionalism, skills and unwavering commitments have truly made a difference in the defence of our skies.
“During my tenure, we faced numerous challenges both at home and abroad. From complex joint operations to humanitarian missions, the Nigerian Air Force has demonstrated unmatched capabilities and tenacity in addressing the contemporary challenges.
“We have maintained a state of readiness adapting to the ever evolving threats and ensuring the protection of our airspace as well as safety and security of our dear country.
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“It has been a great honour as well as a very challenging and yet fulfilling endeavor,”.
Amao also commended the efforts of his predecessors whom said laid the foundation upon which he built on to achieve the successes he recorded during his tenure as the CAS.
He thanked the immediate past service chiefs for the enhanced synergy that helped them achieve tremendous results in tackling the insecurity bedeviling the country and urged his successor to tow the same path for the greater good of the nation.
Air Marshal Amao expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians for their unwavering support in equipping the NAF and ensuring the Service meets it’s constitutional mandate.
While congratulating Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar for his appointment as the CAS, Air Marshal Amao urged him to continue from where he (Amao) left off and lead the NAF to a higher pedestal.
“I will urge all personnel of the Nigerian Air Force to continue to give their best in the Service of our fatherland. You are inheriting an Air Force that is strong, resilient and ready to face any challenge that comes our way.
“I am exceedingly delighted and profoundly honoured that we have worked together as a team with all officers, airmen, and airwomen as well as civilian staff to move the Air Force to a much higher level”, Air Marshal Amao declared.
Furthermore, Amao said the Fly Out, marked a significant
milestone in his career, which he described as fulfilling and full of accomplishments, culminating to his appointment as the 21st Chief of Air Staff.
The event was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Chris Musa and his spouse, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar and his spouse, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoheed Lagbaja and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Others are former Chiefs of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Femi John Femi (Rtd), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike (Rtd), Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (Rtd),
Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (Rtd) as well as Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd) and Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo (Rtd) among others.
