Former CAS Highlights Importance of Morale, Unity in NAF Operations
Oru Leonard
The former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (Rtd.), has underscored unity and high morale as indispensable foundations of operational success during the Base Social Activities (BASA) 2025, held in Abuja on Saturday, 7 February 2026. The event brought together Nigerian Air Force personnel, their families, and key stakeholders in a vibrant celebration of service, culture, and shared identity.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Air Marshal Amao (Rtd.), commended the Nigerian Air Force for preserving BASA as a defining element of its institutional culture. He observed that the initiative transcends celebration, serving as a strategic platform for strengthening cohesion among personnel drawn from Nigeria’s rich diversity. Praising the leadership of the current Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, he stated: “Under Air Marshal Aneke’s guidance, BASA has become more than a social event; it is a living testament to how unity and morale drive operational excellence.”
Reflecting on the colourful cultural displays that characterised the occasion, the former CAS noted that they symbolised a nation united in service. According to him, “This spirit cannot be manufactured by regulation; it is built in moments like this, when we recognise our shared humanity beyond our professional roles.” He emphasised that such shared experiences nurture esprit de corps, strengthen trust, and reinforce the psychological resilience required for demanding operations.
Air Marshal Amao (Rtd.) further lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its operational performance in 2025 across multiple theatres, attributing its effectiveness in part to the morale and unity reinforced through initiatives like BASA. He stressed that sustaining this bond remains critical as the Service continues to confront evolving security challenges in defence of the nation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, Base Services Group, Abuja, Air Commodore IE Imoke, warmly received distinguished guests, personnel, and their families. He described BASA 2025 as a unifying platform that promotes camaraderie, welfare, and shared values within the Nigerian Air Force community. According to him, the event strengthens bonds beyond the workplace and renews collective commitment to the Service’s mission.
BASA 2025 closed on a note of pride and optimism, reaffirming that a united force is a strong force. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to nurturing the human spirit behind its operational strength, a reminder to all Nigerians that unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose remain powerful tools in building a secure and prosperous nation. Together, with confidence and hope, the future remains bright.
(NAF Media, 8 February 2026)
