By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spotlighted the creative brilliance and intellectual potential of young Nigerians as it announced the winners of the inaugural Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition (CASLC) during a prestigious ceremony held on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. The event, which formed a highlight of the NAF’s 61st Anniversary Reunion Dinner, took place at the NAF Officers’ Mess and Suites, Kado, Abuja.
The CAS Literary Competition was instituted as part of broader efforts by the NAF to promote youth engagement, intellectual development, and national unity through creative expression. The contest featured three distinct categories Essay, Poetry, and Art and attracted a staggering 736 entries from secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the country.
Emerging as the winner in the Art category was Asmau Rozalina from Lawal Darul Ilm Academy, Zaria, whose artwork was commended for its originality and thematic depth. In the Poetry category, Ferdinand Nwokolo of St Paul Minor Seminary, Benin City, claimed the top prize for a compelling piece that wove patriotism with personal expression. The Essay category was topped by Ameh Ehi Theresa, a student from the University of Jos, whose analytical depth and clarity stood out among hundreds of submissions.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, commended the winners and all participants for their brilliance and creativity, noting that the competition was designed to harness the intellectual potential of Nigerian youths and direct it toward nation-building.
“This competition is not just about winning prizes,” the CAS remarked, “it is about creating a space where young Nigerians can express their ideas, hopes, and visions for a better nation. The Nigerian Air Force is proud to champion such platforms that develop future leaders and thinkers.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also reiterated the NAF’s commitment to fostering youth development through educational and cultural programmes. He encouraged young Nigerians to continue using their voices constructively, particularly through platforms that promote critical thinking, creativity, and civic responsibility.
Entries for the CASLC underwent a rigorous three-stage evaluation process conducted by a panel of distinguished judges drawn from Nigeria’s academic and literary communities. These included Professor Caroline Ogbonna of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Mr Salisu Omehi Yahaya, and Mr Ibraheem Rasheed Odunayo. The panel praised the overall quality of submissions and expressed confidence in the future of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
Speaking at the Reunion Dinner, Guest of Honour and former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (retired), applauded the CASLC initiative, describing it as both timely and visionary. “It is heartening to see such a meaningful initiative embedded into the anniversary celebrations,” he said. “Not only does it highlight the role of the military beyond conventional defence, but it also reconnects veterans with today’s youth in a shared mission of nation-building.”
The evening, which also served as a platform for retired and serving NAF personnel to reconnect and reflect on shared experiences, was marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and celebration of excellence.
With the successful debut of the Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition, the NAF has announced plans to make it an annual feature of its anniversary calendar. The initiative is expected to further stimulate intellectual discourse, literary excellence, and national consciousness among Nigerian youths.
The winners of each category received prizes and recognition plaques, while their schools and institutions were also acknowledged for fostering academic and creative excellence. The competition has been hailed nationwide as a model for integrating education and national service in a constructive and inspiring manner.
