Tunde Bakare
As a gesture of gratitude and remembrance, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on 5th July 2025, hosted a nationwide Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Veterans’ Parley, a landmark initiative designed to reconnect with its retired personnel, honour their legacy of service, and reinforce institutional unity. The engagement, held simultaneously across NAF Commands and units nationwide, reflecting the leadership vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who continues to place people, professionalism, and heritage at the heart of his transformational agenda.
The parley served not only as a homecoming for hundreds of retired officers and airmen but also as a reaffirmation of the NAF’s deep respect for those who paved the path of progress through decades of sacrifice, discipline, and courage. Emotions ran high during the interactions, which featured heartfelt tributes, recollections from past operations, and open discussions on welfare and reintegration challenges.
Addressing the veterans through a special nationwide message, Air Marshal Abubakar described the parley as “a national call to remembrance, reflection, and reconnection,” adding that, “This is not just a symbolic event. It is a reaffirmation that your contributions matter, yesterday, today, and always. You are living embodiments of courage and commitment. Your legacy forms the bedrock of the Nigerian Air Force we proudly serve in today.”
The CAS further assured the veterans of ongoing efforts to improve post-service welfare, including enhanced access to healthcare, improved pension structures, and more robust social reintegration pathways. “We are determined to ensure that you are not only remembered, but continuously supported,” he said. “This is your home, and your voice will always count.”
Across the various locations, from Kaduna to Calabar, Bauchi to Port Harcourt, veterans were warmly welcomed by serving personnel, reinforcing the message that the NAF remains one united family. In Bayelsa, Retired Master Warrant Officer Apreala Edmund said, “We never asked for thanks, but today, we feel seen. This gesture by the Nigerian Air Force reminds us that our service mattered, and still does.” Another veteran in Kano described the event as “a humbling reminder of the legacy we once risked everything for. It is heartening to know that the NAF still remembers and respects that sacrifice.”
The Veterans’ Parley resonated with all who attended, blending pride with purpose, memories with renewed bonds. By anchoring the event across the country, the NAF reinforced that honouring veterans is not a one-day tribute but a continuous duty of care, appreciation, and inclusion. As the Nigerian Air Force charts a future defined by innovation, operational excellence, and national security, it does so with its roots deeply grounded in the sacrifices of those who served before. Through the CAS Veterans’ Parley, the NAF has not only honoured its past but also lit the path forward with unity, gratitude, and purpose.