The outgoing Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique has handed over to the newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao. He also has expressed his sincere gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the immense support and opportunity to serve.
The now retired Air Marshal Sadique was among the Service Chiefs who were retired by President Muhammadu Buhari, after prolonged calls by Nigerians to end their services over the worsening security situation in Nigeria. But without a doubt, the Nigeria Air Force under the outgoing Air Marshal Sadique, has been and is still is the most transformed of all the Forces, as the Air Force is ranked as one of the best the world. It’s fantastic achievements/results during his tenure especially in the fights against Boko Haram and Banditry and other security threats, are there for all to see.
In his remark during the handing over ceremony in Abuja on Friday 29th January 2021, Air Marshal Sadique urged Nigerians to extend even greater support to his successor, AVM Oladayo Amao. This was his statement:
“My family & I wish to express our sincere gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, all members of the current FG Administration & the entire officers, airmen & airwomen of Nigeria Air Force for the immense support that enabled us to succeed during my tenure as CAS.
I also wish to thank all Nigerians for their support, especially all who sent messages of congratulations & goodwill on the occasion of my retirement from the Service. I pray that the Almighty God grants you success in all your various endeavours.
I urge you all to extend even greater support to my successor, AVM Oladayo Amao, fine senior officer, experienced fighter pilot and innovative leader, who I believe will add significant value to what we have been able to do over the past few years.
In line with my mantra, which states that “in the race to add value to our society and secure our communities, there is no finishing line”, I pledge to continue to do my utmost, even in retirement, to ensure the peace & prosperity of a united Nigeria.
Thank you all & God bless,” he said.
Recall that we reported here that the President had announced the sacking of the old service Chiefs and announced new appointments earlier this week.
The President had in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina confirmed the new appointments.
The President named the replacements for the sacked service chiefs and the names of the new service chiefs and posts were given as:
Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff
Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff
Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff
Air-Vice Marshal I.Oladayo Amao, Chief of Air Staff.