Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has charged newly commissioned helicopter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to uphold integrity, professionalism, and commitment to national service, as the force graduated 30 officers from its helicopter pilot training programme in Enugu on Tuesday.
Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who made the disclosure, said the graduates completed the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Course 2/2025 at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), a key training institution for rotary-wing aviation in Nigeria.
The CAS, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Edosa, reminded the new pilots of the weight of responsibility that comes with their new roles in Nigeria’s dynamic and often challenging security environment.
“You are stepping into a complex operational landscape where threats to national security are constantly evolving.
“Your mission readiness will not rely on flying skills alone but on your ability to adapt, collaborate, and integrate effectively within joint operations,” he said.
Abubakar congratulated the graduates on their achievement but warned that their journey was just beginning.
He urged them to wear their wings with humility and a deep sense of duty, stressing that they now carry the hopes of the Nigerian people and the expectations of a force seen as a bulwark of national stability.
The highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of a newly renovated aircraft hangar.
According to NAF, the upgraded facility is expected to significantly enhance the school’s aircraft maintenance capabilities and readiness.
CAS noted that the hangar is part of a broader infrastructure development plan that includes the construction of a new school headquarters and 36 student accommodation units.
“These projects demonstrate our unrelenting efforts to transform IHFS into a world-class hub for helicopter pilot training.
“We are not just training pilots; we are building a self-reliant, mission-ready, and resilient Air Force capable of confronting contemporary security challenges,” the CAS said.
In addition to the helicopter pilots, several IHFS flight instructors also graduated from the ATPL course and received promotions.
CAS commended the dedication of the IHFS Rector, faculty, and support teams, describing their efforts as central to the production of world-class aviators.
He also acknowledged the strategic role played by Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited and the School’s Board of Directors in ensuring sustained oversight and institutional growth.
