Air Chief Launches Youth Empowerment Programme for NAF Communities

Air Chief Launches Youth Empowerment Programme for NAF Communities

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 new initiative designed to equip young people in Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base communities with vocational skills, mentorship, educational support and career development opportunities.

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The programme, launched on Thursday, July 2, 2026, 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 in the Ministry, Anthony Chukwuka, the minister commended the Nigerian Air Force for complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to empower young people through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership development and education.

He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme with discipline and commitment, while assuring the Nigerian Air Force of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate on similar youth-focused initiatives.

Speaking at the launch, Air Marshal Aneke described CASYEP as more than an empowerment programme, saying it represents a renewed commitment to the welfare of military families and the future of their children.

He disclosed that the initiative was inspired by his personal experience growing up in a Nigerian Air Force barracks as the son of an Air Warrant Officer, where he witnessed both the resilience of military families and the limited opportunities available to many talented young people.

According to the Chief of the Air Staff, the programme seeks to bridge those gaps through structured skills acquisition, mentorship, educational support and career guidance, enabling beneficiaries to become confident, self-reliant and productive members of society.

He added that the initiative also supports the Federal Government’s agenda on youth empowerment and human capital development, while calling on parents, guardians and commanders to support its successful implementation.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal EK Gabkwet, delivered the welcome address, while the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal AA Martins, presented an overview of the programme, outlining its objectives, implementation framework and expected impact.

The event featured the screening of a documentary on CASYEP, a panel discussion on youth development, the presentation of beneficiaries and the formal inauguration of the programme by the Chief of the Air Staff.

The Nigerian Air Force said the initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening the welfare of military families by investing in the next generation through education, mentorship and skills development, while contributing to national development and building a motivated, professional and mission-ready force.

Air Chief Launches Youth Empowerment Programme for NAF Communities