The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has launched the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP), a flagship initiative aimed at equipping young people in Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base communities with life skills, mentorship, vocational training and opportunities for self-reliance.
NAF disclosed this on Thursday, saying the programme received the endorsement of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and one that aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Anthony Chukwuka, the Minister commended the NAF for complementing national efforts to empower young people through skills acquisition, education, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Speaking at the launch, Air Marshal Aneke described CASYEP as more than an empowerment initiative, saying it represents “the ignition of hope, the unlocking of latent potential and a renewed commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Air Force personnel and the future of their children and families.”
Drawing from his experience of growing up in a Nigerian Air Force barracks as the son of an Air Warrant Officer, the CAS said the programme was inspired by the need to bridge opportunity gaps through structured mentorship, educational support, career guidance and vocational training. He urged parents, guardians and commanders to embrace the initiative, noting that it is designed to raise confident, skilled, self-reliant and purpose-driven young Nigerians while supporting the Federal Government’s youth and human capital development agenda.
The Chief of the Air Staff, accompanied by his wife and President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs Ngozi Aneke, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their support in bringing the initiative to fruition.
The event featured a welcome address by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal EK Gabkwet; an overview of CASYEP by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal AA Martins; the screening of a documentary on the programme; a maiden CASYEP Side Chat with youth development experts; and the presentation of the pioneer beneficiaries before the formal inauguration by the Chief of the Air Staff.
Authorities stressed that the launch of CASYEP reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to its people-centred leadership philosophy by investing in the next generation of military families, strengthening family resilience, nurturing future leaders and reinforcing the belief that the welfare of personnel and their families is integral to sustaining a professional, motivated and mission-ready Air Force.
