By Nkechi Eze
In a significant demonstration of gratitude and remembrance, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday, 5th July 2025, hosted the first-ever nationwide Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Veterans’ Parley. The event was a landmark initiative aimed at reconnecting with retired personnel, celebrating their legacy of service, and reinforcing the bonds of unity across the force.
The engagement, which was held simultaneously across all NAF Commands and units nationwide, was a direct reflection of the leadership vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar. Under his transformational agenda, the NAF continues to prioritize people, professionalism, and heritage as cornerstones of its institutional identity.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the parley served as a heartfelt homecoming for hundreds of retired officers and airmen. It also reaffirmed the Air Force’s deep respect and enduring appreciation for those who contributed to building the force through decades of sacrifice, discipline, and courage.
In a special nationwide message delivered to the veterans, Air Marshal Abubakar described the parley as “a national call to remembrance, reflection, and reconnection.”
“This is not just a symbolic event,” he said. “It is a reaffirmation that your contributions matter yesterday, today, and always. You are living embodiments of courage and commitment. Your legacy forms the bedrock of the Nigerian Air Force we proudly serve in today.”
The CAS further assured veterans that their welfare remains a top priority, with the NAF committed to improving access to healthcare, enhancing pension structures, and facilitating robust reintegration pathways. “We are determined to ensure that you are not only remembered but continuously supported,” he said. “This is your home, and your voice will always count.”
Across NAF formations from Kaduna to Calabar, Bauchi to Port Harcourt, the parley brought together serving personnel and retired veterans in a spirit of camaraderie and respect. In Bayelsa, Retired Master Warrant Officer Apreala Edmund remarked, “We never asked for thanks, but today, we feel seen. This gesture by the Nigerian Air Force reminds us that our service mattered, and still does.” In Kano, another veteran described the event as “a humbling reminder of the legacy we once risked everything for. It is heartening to know that the NAF still remembers and respects that sacrifice.”
The nationwide event was marked by emotional tributes, recollections of past operations, and candid discussions on post-service challenges such as welfare and social reintegration. Serving officers and men welcomed the veterans with warmth and admiration, emphasizing that the NAF remains one united family regardless of active or retired status.
The Veterans’ Parley struck a powerful chord with attendees, blending pride with purpose and memories with renewed connection. By anchoring the event across multiple locations, the NAF underscored its belief that honouring veterans is not a one-off gesture but an ongoing duty of care, appreciation, and inclusion.
As the Nigerian Air Force continues to advance its mission with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and national security, it does so firmly rooted in the sacrifices and legacy of those who came before. Through the CAS Veterans’ Parley, the NAF has not only honoured its past but illuminated a path forward one defined by unity, gratitude, and enduring purpose.
