By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday, delivered a stirring and inspiring address before the Senate, declaring his unwavering commitment to build a “lethal, intelligent and combat-ready” Nigerian Air Force that will defend the nation with precision, discipline and purpose.

Speaking with rare candour and conviction, Aneke said his duty as Air Chief was not just a professional obligation, but a sacred covenant between the Air Force and the Nigerian people.

"As the Chief of the Air Staff, my duties are very clear, direct and simple to secure the lives, liberties and aspirations of Nigerians through the instrument of air power,” he said.

"This is not merely a professional mandate. It is a sacred trust between the Nigerian Air Force and the people we serve."

Aneke, a battle-tested pilot and strategic thinker, told lawmakers that every decision he makes, every policy he drafts and every mission he authorises will be driven by a single objective to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and preserve peace.

"Every decision I make will be guided by one purpose to protect our people and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains the shield of the nation," he said.

He vowed to transform the Air Force into a force of speed, precision and intelligence capable of overwhelming threats before they emerge.

"If confirmed, I will dedicate myself to building a combat-ready Air Force one that is operationally versatile, disciplined and lethal," he declared.

"I use the word lethal in a professional sense, because a man running from you will not have the time to sit down and plan. The Nigerian Air Force will respond swiftly, strike precisely and act intelligently across the full spectrum of military operations.”

Aneke said his vision was anchored on training, technology, safety and strategic innovation, noting that true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.

"When you find yourself in a battle, it is not the strength you have that matters. It is the brain you have that solves the problem," he said.

"We must use technology wisely and meet our adversaries with intelligence, not just strength."

The Air Chief, known for his pragmatic leadership style, pledged to deepen inter-agency synergy, especially with the Navy and Army, to ensure unified and effective operations.

"I have served with the Navy and seen firsthand the challenges of joint operations. I will energise and strengthen collaboration among all the services. Together, we will fight as one force for one nation,” he said.

On the question of funding, Aneke offered a blunt but insightful reminder about the real cost of national security.

“Aviation is a very expensive business," he told the senators. “You may hear N1.2 billion and think it is a lot, but in the aviation environment, that is like a spoon fetching from the ocean. To train one pilot or fire one missile costs tens of thousands of dollars and we do this every day.”

He appealed for sustained legislative support, insisting that national defence must never be compromised by budgetary hesitation.

"The Armed Forces is that part of government which you must spend money on and hope not to use," he said.

"If you do not have it, you are a chicken waiting for the hawk. But if you have it, you can look anyone in the face and defend your country with pride."

Drawing from his experience flying alongside top airmen in the United States and across the world, Aneke said Nigerian officers command respect globally for their professionalism, discipline and intellect.

"I have flown with Americans and officers from other nations. They respect us. A Nigerian is a proud person anywhere in the world all we need is support," he said.

He concluded his address with an impassioned pledge to the nation:

"I will lead an Air Force that is fearless in the face of danger, relentless in the pursuit of excellence, and uncompromising in the defence of our homeland. We will make Nigeria proud.”

The Senate applauded Aneke's vision, describing his words as both inspiring and reassuring a reflection of renewed determination within the Nigerian Air Force to defend the nation with courage, intelligence and strength. (Zagazola)