The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has launched the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP), a landmark initiative designed to equip young people in Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base communities with life skills, mentorship, vocational training and pathways to self-reliance.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the programme was unveiled on Thursday and received the endorsement of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and one that aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, the Minister commended the Nigerian Air Force for complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to empower young Nigerians through skills acquisition, educational support, leadership development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity with discipline and dedication while assuring the Nigerian Air Force of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate in expanding similar youth-focused initiatives.
Speaking at the launch, Air Marshal Aneke described CASYEP as more than an empowerment programme, saying it represents “the ignition of hope, the unlocking of latent potential and a renewed commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Air Force personnel and the future of their children and families.”
The Chief of the Air Staff disclosed that the initiative was inspired by his personal experience of growing up in a Nigerian Air Force barracks as the son of an Air Warrant Officer, where he witnessed the resilience of military families alongside the limited opportunities available to many talented young people.
He explained that the programme was established to bridge those gaps through structured skills acquisition, mentorship, educational support and career guidance, enabling beneficiaries to become skilled, confident, self-reliant and purpose-driven citizens.
According to him, the initiative also supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment and human capital development. He called on parents, guardians and commanders to support the programme to ensure its long-term success.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal E.K. Gabkwet, delivered the welcome address, while the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal A.A. Martins, presented an overview of CASYEP, outlining its objectives, implementation framework and expected impact on beneficiaries.
Highlights of the event included the screening of a documentary on the initiative, the maiden CASYEP Side Chat featuring a panel of experts on youth development, the formal presentation and recognition of beneficiaries, and the official inauguration of the programme by the Chief of the Air Staff.
The Nigerian Air Force said the launch of CASYEP reflects its commitment to advancing the welfare-focused leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff by investing in the next generation of military families.
The Service noted that by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to succeed, the initiative will strengthen family resilience, nurture future leaders and contribute to national development, while reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force.
