By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Space Administration (DSA) on Thursday, November 6, 2025, witnessed a dignified transition of leadership as Major General Philip Ilodibia formally assumed duty as the 8th Chief of Defence Space Administration, succeeding Air Vice Marshal Lanre Ibrahim Oluwatoyin.
According to a statement issued by the DSA Public Relations Officer, Major Funmilayo Bamisaye, the colourful Handing and Taking Over Ceremony took place at the DSA Headquarters in Abuja. The event was graced by senior military officers, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, representatives of partner institutions, DSA personnel, and other distinguished guests, reflecting the Administration’s culture of professionalism, discipline, and orderly succession.
In his welcome address, the Director of Administration, Brigadier General O.S.A. Fashina, lauded the outgoing CDSA for his visionary and impactful leadership, which he said significantly strengthened capacity building, innovation, and productivity within the organization. He also described Major General Ilodibia as a seasoned professional and reputable leader whose tenure, he expressed confidence, would further consolidate the Administration’s remarkable progress.
Delivering his valedictory speech, Air Vice Marshal Oluwatoyin expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, and all DSA personnel for their steadfast support throughout his tenure. He described his period in office as both fulfilling and rewarding, marked by notable advancements in space science, technology integration, and human capital development.
AVM Oluwatoyin highlighted achievements such as enhanced inter-agency partnerships, improved operational frameworks, and globally benchmarked training programmes that repositioned the DSA as a strategic contributor to national security and development. He also expressed appreciation to his wife, colleagues, and subordinates for their unwavering loyalty and cooperation, urging them to extend the same commitment to his successor.
In his inaugural remarks, Major General Ilodibia expressed deep appreciation to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for the confidence reposed in him. He commended his predecessor for his exemplary leadership and smooth handover process, pledging to build upon his achievements.
The new CDSA outlined his vision to further position the Defence Space Administration as the “ultimate high ground” in Nigeria’s defence and national security architecture. He emphasized that his administration would focus on operational efficiency, cutting-edge research, innovation, and technological advancement to strengthen the DSA’s strategic capabilities and overall contribution to national defence objectives.
The ceremony featured the official signing of the handing and taking over notes, the presentation of insignia of office, group photographs, and the ceremonial lowering and hoisting of the DSA flag, a symbolic gesture marking the formal transfer of authority.
The event not only signified a seamless and dignified leadership transition but also reaffirmed the Defence Space Administration’s enduring commitment to professionalism, innovation, and dedicated service to the nation.
