…..Youth Minister hails initiative, pledges partnership
…Programme targets skills, mentorship, entrepreneurship for children of NAF personnel
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has launched a landmark youth empowerment initiative designed to equip young Nigerians living in Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base communities with life-changing skills, mentorship, vocational training and opportunities for self-reliance.
The initiative, known as the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP), also 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 Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Anthony Chukwuka, the minister praised the Nigerian Air Force for complementing the Federal Government’s youth development drive through skills acquisition, educational support, leadership development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme with discipline and commitment, assuring the NAF of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate in expanding similar initiatives across the country.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, Air Marshal Aneke said CASYEP goes beyond a conventional empowerment programme, describing it as “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.”
The Air Chief disclosed that the initiative was inspired by his childhood experiences as the son of an Air Warrant Officer growing up in NAF barracks, where he witnessed the resilience of military families despite the limited opportunities available to many talented young people.
According to him, the programme was conceived to bridge those gaps through structured skills acquisition, mentorship, educational support and career guidance.
He said the initiative would help beneficiaries become skilled, confident, self-reliant and purpose-driven citizens while also advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment and human capital development.
The CAS appealed to parents, guardians and military commanders to support the initiative to guarantee its sustainability and long-term impact.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal EK Gabkwet, welcomed guests, while the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal AA Martins, presented an overview of the programme, outlining its objectives, implementation framework and expected impact on beneficiaries.
The event featured the screening of a documentary on CASYEP, the maiden CASYEP Side Chat with youth development experts, the presentation and recognition of beneficiaries, as well as the formal inauguration of the programme by the Chief of the Air Staff.
The Nigerian Air Force said the initiative reflects Air Marshal Aneke’s welfare-centred leadership philosophy by investing in the future of military families through education, skills development and leadership opportunities, while strengthening family resilience and contributing to national development.
CAS Unveils Youth Empowerment Scheme, Says ‘We’re Igniting Hope for Nigeria’s Next Generation’
