Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Thursday charged newly decorated senior officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and strategic leadership.
Aneke gave the charge at the decoration of the newly promoted Air Vice Marshals and Air Commodores of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in Abuja.
He described the promotion of the officers to the ranks of AVM and Air Commodore as a strong vote of confidence in their professionalism and capacity to shoulder higher responsibilities.
According to him, military promotions are earned through dedication, competence and character, noting that each new rank demands higher trust, deeper responsibility and the courage to take tough decisions.
“Your new rank places you at the strategic level where policy direction meets operational reality.
“You are now directly responsible for shaping strategy, guiding operations, making critical decisions and ensuring optimal performance across commands, units and personnel under your authority.
“As you take on these heightened responsibilities, always remember that victory in modern conflict does not rest solely on platforms or weapon systems, but on the quality of leadership at every level—most especially at the senior command tier,” he said.
The CAS said the officers were stepping into leadership at a time when Nigeria faces complex and evolving security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and information warfare.
He emphasised that the service now relies heavily on senior commanders who can think strategically, act decisively and lead with moral authority.
The CAS tasked the officers to set the tone for discipline, prudent management of resources and operational excellence across their formations.
He encouraged them to lead with humility, fairness and consistency, and to actively mentor the next generation of commanders.
“Your actions, decisions and personal example will cascade throughout the Service.
“You must set the tone by enforcing discipline, upholding professional standards and ensuring that resources entrusted to you are managed prudently, transparently and with the highest sense of accountability.
“Leadership at this level must go beyond titles or insignia—it must be rooted in service, integrity and moral authority.
“As the saying goes, rank is not only worn on the shoulders, it is also carried in the mind and in the character,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, NAF, AVM Anthony Martins, commended the officers for the discipline and professionalism that earned them their elevation.
Martins said the promotions reflect the rising standards and leadership development initiatives driving the Air Force under the current administration.
He urged the officers to view their new ranks as a call to higher service, while also acknowledging the families, mentors and colleagues who supported their journey.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence, Minister of State, Permanent Secretary and representatives of the services chiefs as well as other senior military officials, families and well-wishers.
