By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday, 18 May 2025, held an interdenominational church service across its formations to commemorate its 61st anniversary.
The service formed a vital part of a week-long lineup of events marking over six decades of service to the nation, including medical outreaches, research and development showcases, and the formal induction of newly acquired aircraft.
Held at the Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Protestant Cathedral, NAF Base Asokoro, Abuja. The solemn gathering brought together officers, airmen, their families, and well-wishers in a unified expression of gratitude to God for the Force’s progress and continued resilience. It also provided a moment for sober reflection on the sacrifices of fallen heroes and reaffirmed the NAF’s enduring commitment to national security and global peace efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo, stressed the unifying power of faith in sustaining the Force’s mission amid today’s complex security environment.
“We must remain rooted in our values, integrity, service before self, and excellence,” AVM Etukudo stated. “Faith plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the unity and moral strength we need to navigate current and future challenges.”
Delivering the homily, the Director of Chaplaincy Services (Catholic), Group Captain Cyril Akuh, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its operational relevance and continued sacrifices in peacekeeping, air support, and national defence.
“The Nigerian Air Force has stood as a sentinel for national peace through aerial surveillance, support to ground forces, and strategic interventions,” he said. “But as we celebrate, let us also remember the cost, the lives lost and the challenges faced.”
Group Captain Akuh called for a rededication to faith, discipline, and purposeful action. “There must be a restructuring of our thoughts and deeds toward the progress of this noble institution,” he said, adding that the welfare of personnel and continued investment in infrastructure should remain top priorities.
He further urged officers and personnel to seek a deeper encounter with God, which he described as essential to leading a genuine and impactful Christian life.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the wife of the Chief of the Air Staff, Architect Dr. Rekiya Abubakar, Mrs. Esther Etukudo expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Air Force and the chaplaincy for their spiritual support and encouragement. She encouraged women across the Force to continue playing their supportive roles with devotion.
“Our husbands strive daily to make Nigeria secure,” she said. “Let us continue to give them the support and love they need, just as they have given us all that makes our homes peaceful and comfortable.”
Commenting on the Nigerian Air Force’s prominence on the continent, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, noted that few air forces in sub-Saharan Africa are facing the scale of internal security challenges currently confronting Nigeria. He emphasized that despite these significant threats, the Nigerian Air Force has remained effective and resilient. “The NAF has distinguished itself as a strong and dependable force not only within Africa, but on the global stage,” he said.
The interdenominational service marked a spiritual highlight in the anniversary celebrations, which also include the unveiling of significant milestones in indigenous defence production.
One of the key highlights of the week was the induction of the Augusta 109S Trekker helicopters into the NAF fleet by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that underlines the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s airpower.
As the Nigerian Air Force continues its 61st anniversary commemoration, it remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and contribute to peacekeeping missions across the globe.
