Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday July 2, 2026 launched the landmark Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP), an initiative aimed at equipping young people within Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base communities with critical life skills, mentorship, vocational opportunities and pathways to self-reliance.
The initiative, which Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and a programme that aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity with discipline and dedication while assuring the NAF of the Ministry’s readiness to partner in expanding similar initiatives.
Represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Anthony Chukwuka, the Minister commended the Nigerian Air Force for complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to empower youths through skills acquisition, educational support, leadership development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke described CASYEP as more than an empowerment programme, saying it represents “the ignition of hope, the unlocking of latent potential and a renewed commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Air Force personnel and the future of their children and families.”
He revealed that the initiative was inspired by his personal experience of growing up in NAF 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.
The CAS explained that the programme was established to bridge those gaps through structured skills acquisition, mentorship, educational support and career guidance, enabling beneficiaries to become skilled, confident, self-reliant and purpose-driven citizens.
He noted that CASYEP also supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment and human capital development, while calling on parents, guardians and commanders to support the initiative to ensure its long-term success.
Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, delivered the welcome address while the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal AA Martins, presented a concise overview of CASYEP, highlighting its objectives, implementation framework and expected impact on beneficiaries.
Highlights of the ceremony included the screening of a documentary on CASYEP, the maiden CASYEP Side Chat featuring a panel of experts on youth development, the formal presentation and recognition of beneficiaries, and the official inauguration of the programme by the Chief of the Air Staff.
The launch of CASYEP underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to advancing the Chief of the Air Staff’s welfare-focused leadership by investing in the next generation of military families.
By equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to thrive, the initiative strengthens family resilience, inspires future leadership and contributes to national development, while reinforcing the NAF’s belief that caring for its people remains fundamental to sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force.
