The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday launched the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP), a landmark initiative designed to equip children of serving, retired and deceased Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel with skills, mentorship and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Air Marshal Aneke described CASYEP as a strategic investment in the future of the Nigerian Air Force family, stressing that the programme is aimed at empowering young people within NAF communities to become self-reliant, innovative and productive citizens.
The Air Chief, who revealed that he was raised in the barracks as the son of an Air Warrant Officer, said the initiative was inspired by his personal experiences growing up in military communities.
“I stand before you not only as the Chief of the Air Staff, but as someone shaped by the very environment this programme seeks to uplift and empower,” he said.
According to him, while barracks life instills discipline, resilience and a strong sense of identity, many talented children of military personnel have historically faced limited opportunities for higher education, career development and exposure
He noted that CASYEP was conceived to bridge these gaps through structured skills acquisition, mentorship, educational support and access to emerging opportunities in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Air Marshal Aneke said the programme would serve as a sustainable framework for identifying and developing talents among dependants of Air Force personnel, enabling them to excel in their chosen careers while contributing meaningfully to national development.
The CAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
He commended Zoe Concept Limited, the programme coordinator, alongside other partners whose collaboration made the initiative possible, while urging beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and leverage the discipline acquired from growing up in military communities.
Earlier, the Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Youth Development applauded the Nigerian Air Force for introducing what he described as a visionary and impactful initiative that complements the Federal Government’s youth empowerment agenda.
The Minister said CASYEP represents a deliberate investment in human capital development and reflects a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
He noted that the programme’s emphasis on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, leadership development and mentorship aligns with the Ministry’s priorities of promoting employability, enterprise development, innovation and digital inclusion among Nigerian youths.
According to him, youth empowerment remains a strategic imperative for national development, adding that initiatives such as CASYEP demonstrate how institutions can effectively support government efforts in tackling youth unemployment and building a skilled workforce.
The Minister urged beneficiaries to approach every aspect of the programme with dedication, discipline and integrity, reminding them that they represent the future of Nigeria and the proud legacy of service established by their parents.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for extending its role beyond national defence to the development of human potential, assuring the Service of the Ministry’s readiness to partner in expanding the programme to benefit more young Nigerians.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the programme as a bold and compassionate vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, aimed at creating a brighter future for young Nigerians within the Nigerian Air Force family.
Gabkwet said the initiative reflects the Air Chief's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by children and youths raised in military barracks, including repeated parental deployments, prolonged absence of parents, frequent relocation, disrupted education and limited access to quality opportunities.
According to him, while barracks have historically nurtured resilient, disciplined and patriotic citizens, these challenges have continued to affect the aspirations and socio-economic prospects of many young people.
He explained that the Chief of the Air Staff conceived the programme from personal experience and a deep understanding of the realities of military family life, resulting in a structured intervention that will bridge existing gaps in youth development.
Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive vocational and market-driven skills training, mentorship, career guidance and exposure to opportunities within and outside the military environment. The initiative is also designed to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance among participants.
Gabkwet noted that the programme aligns with the Nigerian Air Force's civil-military relations strategy by contributing to national priorities on youth empowerment, job creation and human capital development.
He stressed that the initiative further demonstrates that the Nigerian Air Force is not only committed to safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity but also to improving the welfare of its personnel, their families and surrounding communities.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of beneficiaries, whom Air Marshal Aneke described as “the future we are investing in,” before officially declaring the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme inaugurated.
The programme is expected to provide long-term opportunities for capacity building, mentorship and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families while contributing to national youth development.
NAF Launches Youth Empowerment Programme to Equip Barracks Youths With Skills, Opportunities
