The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has launched a two-pronged empowerment initiative aimed at reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among youths in Nigerian Air Force (NAF) barracks.

The initiative, comprising the CAS Fellowship Programme and the CAS Youth Technical and Vocational Skill Development Programme, is designed to equip young people within NAF communities with practical skills, mentorship, educational support and opportunities for economic independence.

Speaking at the unveiling, Air Marshal Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to improving the welfare and future of its personnel and their families, stressing that the strength of any military institution extends beyond operational capability to the development of its human capital.

He described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of young people living in NAF barracks, noting that it was created to unlock their potential and prepare them for success in an increasingly competitive world.

According to him, the initiative was inspired by the sacrifices made by military personnel and the need to support their children through meaningful opportunities for growth and development.

Aneke said the programme would bridge existing gaps through targeted skills acquisition, mentorship, educational assistance and access to opportunities that would broaden participants’ horizons and encourage ambition.

He added that the initiative is designed as a long-term framework for identifying, nurturing and empowering talented youths, with the goal of producing confident, self-reliant and purpose-driven individuals who can contribute to national development.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the Nigerian Air Force for supporting the Federal Government’s youth empowerment agenda through skills development, leadership training, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, the minister urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with discipline and commitment while assuring the Air Force of the ministry’s readiness to partner on similar initiatives.