Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar has assumed office as the 22nd Chief of Air Staff on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
Speaking at the handing and taking over ceremony in Abuja, the new chief of air staff appreciated God for giving him the opportunity to lead the country’s air force “at this crucial time.”
Abubakar promised to reinvigorate NAF in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other challenges facing the country.
He vowed to sustain the cooperation and joint efforts that existed between the air force and sister services during the previous administration.
He stated, “In conjunction with my colleagues, we will uphold these attributes in line with Mr President’s directive issued during the maiden national security council meeting.
“We shall also begin to make additional efforts and evolve measures and approaches that will continue to diminish our challenges and enhance the disposition of our various theatres of operations.”
Earlier in his valedictory speech, Air Marshal Oludayo Amao, said his administration achieved successes in areas like doctrinal development, air operations, human capacity development, fleet enhancement, establishment of new units, and directorates.
He urged the new CAS to ensure the optimal operational capacity of the air force to sustain and surpass the ongoing efforts at eradicating terrorism and banditry.
Amao said despite the challenges his tenure recorded many successes, and urged his successor to ensure the service attain a greater height under his watch.
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, announced the retirement and replacement of the service chiefs.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the handing over flags to to the new chief of Air Staff, Abubakar by his predecessor.
