The immediate-past Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (rtd), has said 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.
Amao stated this while delivering his valedictory speech at the colourful fly-out ceremony organized in his honour at the NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Saturday, noted.
“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,” Amao was quoted as saying.
While expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the officers and men of the NAF for the vital role they played in ensuring the safety and security of the country, Amao said it was an honour to have led such a capable and dedicated force.
He noted that during his tenure, in spite of numerous challenges, the NAF demonstrated unmatched capability and tenacity in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Amao added, “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.
Amao expressed his appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, 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 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,” he said.
“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”, declared Amao.
The event was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major-General Chris Musa and his spouse, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice-Marshal Hasan Abubakar and his spouse, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General Taoheed Lagbaja and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), 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.
