The 22nd Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar has aassumed command today, 21 June 2023 following a recent announcements, retirement and replacement of service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu.
Taking up the mantle in a formal ceremony on Thursday at the NAF headquarters, Abuja, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar said his appointment is coming at a time that the expecting of Nigerians towards to the acceleration and actualisation of peace and security is very high.
He reiterate Nigerian Air Force commitment to revigorated fight against terrorism, banditry and a host of other challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
He commended the outgoing Chief of Air Staff, Air vice Marshal Oladayo Amao for his two unique attributes that were displayed during his tenure, cooperation and jointness. He promise to uphold these attributes in line with Mr President directive given during the maiden National Security Council meeting.
Earlier in his remarks, the outgone Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oludayo Amao, celebrated the achievements and success of his tenure despite notable challenges.
Amao said under his leadership, the Nigerian Air Force was able to record success in the area of air operations, establishment of new units directorates, Fleet enlargement, human capacity development enhancement, Research and development, personnel management as well as safety standards, among others.
"I believe that you will build upon the legacies of your predecessors, which made me to ensure the optimal operational capacity capability of the Nigerian Air Force," he said.
He noted that this will ensure that the ongoing efforts to eradicate insurgencies, terrorism, banditry, and other form of criminality in the country is sustained. Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the support of the federal government and the development of capacities that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force, combat readiness through the acquisition of new platforms and several other major equipment.
"In the area of one capacity development, we have made significant progress in addressing the issue of inadequate money, especially the aspect of care specialists, care specialist skills. We embarked on reports, training, initiative, cutting across basic, intermediate and advanced categories in all aircrew and ground specialties in the service.
He appreciated the support of the federal government and the development of capacities that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force, combat readiness through the acquisition of new platforms and several other major equipment.
He encouraged his successor to strive for greater accomplishments. He urged Abubakar to lead the service to new heights during his tenure. He stressed that he would miss the force, noting that there is nothing that has the beginning that doesn’t have an end.
Profile of New Chief of Air Staff
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar was born on September 11, 1970. He hails from Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State. He enlisted into the NAF as a member of NDA Regular Course 39 and was commissioned a Pilot Officer on SSeptember 9, 1992.
COURSES ATTENDED AND QUALIFICATIONS
a. Bachelor of Science Degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna.
b. Abinitio and Basic Flying Training Courses at the 301 Flying Training School Kaduna.
c. Basic and Advance Airborne Courses at Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School Jaji.
d. Company Amphibious Operations Course at Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School in Calabar.
e. Junior and Senior Command and Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and
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f. National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy, Cairo – Egypt.
g. Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU Zaria.
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS
a. Abubakar was the former Admin Officer 16 Engineering Wing, 1 Engineering Group NAF Makurdi.
b. Officer Commanding Admin Services Flight/ Group Public Relations Officer, 97 Special Operations Group NAF Port Harcourt.
e. Officer Commanding Yellow Squadron – Air Force Military School Jos.
f. Admin Officer Primary Flying Training Wing – 301 FTS NAF Kaduna.
e. SO1 Admin 301 FTS NAF Kaduna.
f. Officer Commanding ‘B’ Squadron (Do 228) – 81 Air Maritime Group NAF Benin.
e. Team Leader MILOB Team Site 615 Mahagi (Ituri Brigade) MONUC.
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f. Aviation Planning Officer, MONUC Air Operations Kinshasa, DRC
g. Commanding Officer Base Services Wing 81 Air Maritime Group Nigerian Air Force Benin
h. Operations Officer Operational Conversion Unit 88 Military Airlift group Nigerian Air Force Lagos.
i. Operations Officer 88 Military Airlift Group Ikeja Lagos. Commanding Officer 21 Wing 88 Military Airlift Group Lagos.
j. Group Safety Officer 88 Military Airlift Group Ikeja Lagos.
k. Fleet operation officer – 011Presidential Air Fleet.
l. Commander 011 Presidential Air Fleet.
m. Chief of Staff, Mobility Command.
o. Director of Policy, HQ NAF.
p. Director of Operations, HQ NAF.
q. Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.
r. the Chief of Standards and Operations, HQ NAF.
AWARDS/DECORATIONS
1. Distinguished Service Star.
2. Passed Staff Course (psc)
3. Fellow Defence College
4. Masters in International Affairs.
5. Member National Institute of Management.
6. Member Chartered Institute of Public Management.
7. Member Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals.