On Thursday, the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, assumed office as the 22nd air chief as Air Marshal Oladayo Amao bowed out of the service.

Until his appointment, the new air chief was the chief of standards and evaluation at Air Force Headquarters.

In his maiden speech, Abubakar appreciated the almighty God for the unique privilege of leading the Nigerian Air Force at this crucial time in the nation’s life.

He said his appointment came at a time when the expectations of Nigerians towards accelerated actualisation of peace and security were high.

Mr Abubakar said NAF under his command would reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other challenges bedevilling the country.

He promised to sustain the cooperation and joint efforts between the air force and sister services during the tenure of the outgoing service chiefs, adding that it was responsible for the successes achieved in the various theatres of operations.

“In conjunction with my colleagues, we will uphold these attributes in line with Mr President’s directive issued during the maiden National Security Council meeting. “We shall also begin to make additional efforts and evolve measures and approaches that will continue to diminish our challenges and enhance the disposition of our various theatres of operations,” he said.

The new CAS congratulated his predecessor for his achievements and distinguished career in the military and pledged to continue to build on his legacies and do more to move NAF to higher heights.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the honour and privilege he gave him to serve as the air chief.

In his valedictory speech, the outgone air chief expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to serve the nation and lead the air force, describing it as a special privilege.

(NAN)