By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, motivation, and personnel development as key pillars of operational excellence, following the promotion of several Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) to their next ranks with effect from 1 September 2025.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, congratulated the newly promoted personnel, describing the exercise as a strategic step toward building a smarter, more resilient, and more dedicated Air Force capable of meeting evolving national security challenges.
“With every promotion, the Nigerian Air Force grows stronger, smarter in strategy, more resilient in spirit, and more dedicated to service,” Air Marshal Aneke declared. He noted that the promotion exercise, conducted in accordance with the Service’s annual cycle, reflects the NAF’s unwavering commitment to meritocracy, morale building, and the continuous development of its human capital, the most vital component of operational readiness.
The Air Chief emphasized that the 2025 promotion exercise was not merely an administrative formality but a reaffirmation of the Service’s foundation of discipline, hard work, and devotion to duty. “Each elevation represents renewed strength and national confidence in the Force’s mission to protect and serve,” he said.
According to him, the process was transparent and merit-driven, consistent with the standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He assured personnel who have completed their required professional and technical courses that they would also be duly considered in subsequent mustering and upgrading exercises.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, Air Marshal Aneke urged them to view their advancement as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility. “Promotion is not just about rising in rank; it is about rising to greater expectations,” he said. “You have earned this through hard work and sacrifice; now is the time to give even more to your country and to the Service.”
Reiterating his leadership philosophy anchored on motivation and mentorship, the CAS said morale remains a decisive factor in achieving operational success. “Our personnel are our greatest asset,” he stressed. “When they are motivated, our operations become sharper, our decisions smarter, and our impact greater.”
He explained that a highly trained, well-equipped, and motivated workforce is central to the NAF’s mission readiness and overall combat effectiveness. A motivated and well-trained force, he added, sustains the NAF’s operational edge in modern warfare and enhances its ability to protect Nigerian citizens from emerging threats. “When our personnel are inspired and adequately equipped, their precision in battle improves, their resolve strengthens, and their contribution to national defence deepens,” he remarked.
Air Marshal Aneke further stated that the 2025 promotion exercise aligns with ongoing efforts to institutionalise professionalism across the Service through a deliberate balance of training, welfare, and career progression. This, he said, underscores the NAF’s long-term vision of nurturing the next generation of leaders who will sustain operational efficiency, strategic innovation, and national pride.
As the newly promoted personnel assume their ranks, the Air Chief reaffirmed his commitment to building a force anchored on professionalism, patriotism, and purpose. “Let your new ranks reflect greater humility, responsibility, and dedication,” he charged. “Together, we will continue to soar higher for the flag, for the Force, and for the future of our nation.”
