By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its unwavering support to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in its mandate to produce professionally competent and morally upright officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
The assurance was given by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed 34th Commandant of the NDA, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Aneke congratulated Major General Olatoye on his appointment, describing it as a recognition of his exemplary service, discipline, and outstanding leadership qualities. He noted that the visit held special significance, given his own past tenure as Deputy Commandant of the Academy.
“My time at the Academy deepened my appreciation of the NDA’s critical role as the foundation of leadership development and character moulding for the officer corps,” the CAS said.
He describe the institution as “the cradle of military professionalism,” he stressed its importance in shaping officers who are mentally resilient, morally sound, and operationally prepared to confront evolving security challenges.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that developing a professional and combat-ready officer corps requires sustained collaboration in training, faculty development, capacity building, and exposure to real-time operational environments.
He restated the NAF’s commitment to enhancing these areas, assuring the Commandant that the Air Force remains ready to strengthen cooperation with the Academy.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to support the NDA to ensure it produces officers who are fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to national defence,” he affirmed.
Major General Olatoye Responding, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to consolidate on the reforms and foundations laid by his predecessors. He assured that the NDA under his leadership would deepen collaboration with all Services to maintain its global competitiveness and strategic relevance.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Academy remains academically sound, globally competitive, and aligned with the contemporary needs of the Armed Forces,” he said.
He added that the Academy will continue refining its curriculum, leadership development systems, and character-building programmes to produce officers who embody excellence, discipline, and readiness for modern warfare.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership between the NAF and the NDA will further enhance the development of competent, disciplined, and combat-ready officers for the nation’s defence.
