The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP), a new initiative aimed at equipping children of serving, retired and deceased personnel with skills, mentorship and educational opportunities to enhance their future prospects.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Thursday, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the programme as a landmark intervention designed to uplift and empower young people within NAF barracks communities through skills acquisition, leadership development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
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The CAS said, “The initiative was inspired by his personal experience of growing up in the barracks as the son of an Air Warrant Officer, noting that while the environment instilled discipline and resilience, many talented youths lacked access to opportunities that could transform their lives.”
According to him, CASYEP is a sustainable framework that will provide mentorship, educational support, talent development and career opportunities to help beneficiaries become confident, self-reliant and productive citizens.
Air Marshal Aneke said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment, human capital development and inclusive national growth while expressing appreciation to the President for his continued support of the Nigerian Air Force.
He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, stressing that their background should serve as a source of motivation rather than limitation, and called on parents, guardians and commanders to support the initiative to ensure its success.
Declaring the programme officially launched, the Minister of Youth Development, represented as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as a visionary investment in the nation’s future.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Director of Planning, Ministry of Youth Development, Anthony Chukwuka, said, “CASYEP complements the Federal Government’s youth development agenda by promoting employability, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, leadership and innovation among young Nigerians.”
He noted that investing in young people is essential for national development, security and economic prosperity, adding that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable growth.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the initiative was conceived to address the unique challenges faced by youths raised in military barracks, including frequent relocations, limited opportunities and unemployment.
Gabkwet said, “The programme demonstrates the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening family welfare and civil-military relations, while reaffirming that investing in the socio-economic development of barracks communities would ultimately enhance personnel morale and operational effectiveness.”
He urged beneficiaries to embrace the programme with discipline and determination, describing CASYEP as a life-changing opportunity that would prepare them for leadership, innovation and national development.
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