The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday conducted a Fly Out ceremony to bid farewell to the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, with the former CAS expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and considered it a great honor.
Following his replacement by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, Amao retired from active service.
The Fly Out ceremony, a customary tradition organized by the Nigerian Air Force, is held to honor outgoing Chiefs who have served the nation diligently.
The event includes a march past by troops and the symbolic flight departure of the retired officer.
During his valedictory speech, Amao thanked God, as well as the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, for their support throughout his successful tenure.
He regarded his appointment as the 21st Chief of Air Staff as a significant milestone in his career, marked by accomplishments and a sense of fulfillment.
Amao also commended the capable and dedicated officers and personnel for their unwavering commitment in safeguarding the nation’s safety and security.
“Your professionalism, skills, and unwavering commitments have truly made a difference in the defence of our skies.
“During my tenure, we faced numerous challenges both at home and abroad.
“From complex joint operations to humanitarian missions, the Nigerian Air Force has demonstrated unmatched capabilities and tenacity in addressing contemporary challenges.
“We have maintained a state of readiness adapting to the ever-evolving threats and ensuring the protection of our airspace as well as the safety and security of our dear country.
“It has been a great honour as well as a very challenging and yet fulfilling endeavor,” he said.
Amao also commended the efforts of his predecessors for laying the foundation upon which he built on to achieve the successes recorded during his tenure as the CAS.
He also thanked the immediate past service chiefs for the enhanced synergy that helped them achieve results, urging his successor to tow the same path for the greater good of the nation.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.
Also in attendance were ex-service chiefs, commanders from tri-service institutions and principal staff officers from defence and services headquarters, among others.
