Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will “continue to give top priority to welfare of its veteran personnel,” speaking at the Mid‑Year 2025 CAS Parley with NAF veterans in South‑East Nigeria, held in Enugu on Saturday.
Represented by the Director of Veterans Affairs, AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka, the CAS revealed NAF’s recent progress: within a few months, they have “identified living locations, health conditions and welfare conditions of all its veterans scattered all over the country.”
He also announced that NAF has made “medical treatment of veterans and their families free of charge,” and is “planning to re‑grade and re‑engage those with special skills and proficiencies needed by NAF on contract basis.”
“For two years running, the CAS has prioritised veterans’ welfare above other issues and made it the central focus of its personnel motivation,” Abubakar stressed.
“NAF have been able to identify where all our veterans live in the country, no matter how old they are and for those who are late, we have been able to identify their families as well.”
“We are bringing them in as a family, knowing their challenges and trying to solve them as much as we can. This parley provides a great opportunity to see them, interact with them and gather experiences from them.”
The CAS also disclosed that NAF is seeking to “improve their financial management through reaching out to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fashion out strategies to ensure that the veterans are sustained.”
Earlier at the event, AVM Ahmed Shinkafi, Air Officer Commanding, NAF Ground Training Command, Enugu, explained the purpose of the parley: “to honour and appreciate NAF veterans for the sacrifices to the nation while they were in service.”
He commended the CAS for making this a biannual gathering and adding a personal handshake to foster rapport, saying, “I want you in this parley to contribute and share your experiences that will be useful to solve contemporary and emerging operational and administrative challenges.”
Among the veterans, Group Captain Emma Agu (retired) expressed gratitude.
“Today’s parley is more of a reunion for all retirees of NAF within the South‑East. We are happy that NAF is still one big family for both those serving and us retired.” Warrant Officer Anthony Aneke (retired) echoed appreciation for the free healthcare, praising the CAS: “Thank you for continuing all veteran welfare initiatives to keep them alive.”
The parley also featured a health talk on “Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spondylosis)” and a lecture titled “Strategies For a Sustainable Retirement Life” by Dr Gloria Chiagorom of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Medical Centre.
Highlights included the CAS warmly shaking hands with each veteran, conducting medical checkups, and rounding off with a group photograph.
