By Reportcircle Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has announced a renewed commitment by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen its partnership with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in producing the next generation of disciplined, competent and combat-ready military officers.
Aneke made the pledge on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, while receiving the newly appointed 34th Commandant of the Academy, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating Olatoye on what he described as a “well-earned appointment,” the Air Chief said the selection reflected the Commandant’s “proven competence, dedication and exemplary service.”
Air Marshal Aneke, who previously served as the NDA’s Deputy Commandant, underscored the symbolic importance of the visit.
He noted that his tenure at the Academy profoundly shaped his understanding of its centrality to national defence.
“The NDA is the cradle of military professionalism,” he said. “It is where the future leadership of the Armed Forces is moulded mentally, morally and operationally so they can defend our nation in a constantly evolving security environment.”
He stressed that sustaining a professional officer corps demands continued collaboration in training, faculty development, modern instructional methods and real-time exposure to operational environments.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to support the NDA to ensure it produces officers who are fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to national defence,” Aneke assured.
In his remarks, Major General Olatoye expressed gratitude for the Air Chief’s warm reception and pledged to consolidate gains made by previous leadership teams.
He said the NDA under his watch will prioritise deeper collaboration with all military services.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Academy remains globally competitive, academically sound and strategically aligned with the contemporary needs of the Armed Forces,” he said.
The Commandant outlined a renewed push to enhance the NDA curriculum, leadership development systems and character-building programmes.
According to him, the Academy’s mission remains clear: to produce officers who embody excellence, discipline and readiness for the complex demands of modern warfare.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the reinforced partnership between the Air Force and the Academy would help shape a new generation of well-trained, well-led and morally grounded officers capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s security interests.
The meeting marks another step in the Armed Forces’ broader commitment to strengthening professional military education, sharpening leadership pipelines and ensuring that officers entering the field are operationally prepared to meet emerging threats.
