The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in its mission to produce professionally competent and morally grounded officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
This commitment was restated on 26 November 2025 when the CAS received the newly appointed 34th Commandant of the NDA, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja. The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement.
Air Marshal Aneke congratulated Major General Olatoye on his appointment, describing it as a recognition of his competence, dedication, and exemplary service.
Reflecting on his own tenure as Deputy Commandant of the NDA, the CAS noted that the visit was both symbolic and significant, reinforcing his appreciation of the Academy’s central role in shaping the future leadership of the Armed Forces.
He described the NDA as “the cradle of military professionalism, where the future leadership of the Armed Forces is shaped,” stressing that the institution remains vital in producing officers who are mentally resilient, morally upright, and operationally prepared for Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasized the need for continuous collaboration in training, faculty development, capacity building, and exposure to real operational environments.
He assured Major General Olatoye of the NAF’s readiness to deepen support, saying, “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to support the NDA to ensure it produces officers fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to national defence.”
In his remarks, the Commandant expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to consolidate the achievements of past leaders of the Academy. He reaffirmed the NDA’s commitment to building stronger collaboration with all Services, ensuring the institution remains globally competitive and aligned with contemporary defence needs.
Major General Olatoye also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the Academy’s curriculum, leadership development frameworks, and character-building processes to produce officers who embody excellence, discipline, and readiness for modern warfare.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the renewed partnership will further advance the development of competent, disciplined, and combat-ready officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
