Air Force decorates 32 newly promoted officers

The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday in Abuja decorated 32 of its newly promoted officers with their new rank of Air Commodore.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, reminded the officers that promotion was not a right but a privilege for deserving officers.

Badeh reminded them that their duties would be more tedious and demanding as they would be responsible for the management of more manpower and resources of the service.

“Therefore, you must immediately key into the transformation agenda of this administration to reposition the Air Force for greater heights.

“While we are transforming, we are also in the process of enhancing our capacity to project and sustain air power in current and future contingencies.

“Our air force has always prided itself on its professionalism, flexibility and determination to face any challenge,” he said.

The air chief urged the newly promoted officers to justify their elevation by re-doubling their efforts in the discharge of their responsibilities, saying that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

He charged them to remain focused and dedicated, and maintain the highest level of discipline, loyalty and integrity at all times.

Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Nicholas Spiff, the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force, reminded the officers that promotions came with higher responsibility and expectations.

Spiff expressed confidence that the officers possessed the requisite competence to surmount challenges ahead of them.

Responding on behalf of the officers, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, thanked the air force for finding them fit for promotion.

Onitiju said they were aware of the responsibilities ahead of them and gave an assurance that they would brace up to the challenges of repositioning the air force.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the officers were promoted on November 1 following the recommendation of the Air Council.