By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to gender inclusion and the empowerment of female personnel as the Service marked the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The Air Chief made this known during a seminar organized by the Directorate of Civil-Military Relations to commemorate the annual global event celebrated on 8 March to recognize the achievements of women and highlight the need for gender equality.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief of the Air Staff noted that this year’s theme, “Give to Gain: Professionalism, Collaboration and Collective Uplift,” highlights the importance of cooperation, knowledge sharing and institutional support in achieving meaningful progress within organizations.
Air Marshal Aneke commended female officers and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force for their exceptional contributions to operational and institutional successes across various trades and specialties. He noted that women in the Service continue to demonstrate professionalism, resilience and discipline as pilots, engineers, medical personnel, administrators and in several other critical roles that support the Air Force’s mission.
The Air Chief further emphasized that beyond their professional responsibilities, female personnel also play vital roles in their families and communities as daughters, wives and mothers, thereby contributing significantly to national development. He assured that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide equal opportunities for female personnel to compete and excel alongside their male counterparts based on merit, competence and professionalism.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as an important platform to celebrate the achievements and dedication of female officers and airwomen in the Nigerian Air Force. He also paid tribute to pioneering female personnel who broke barriers and paved the way for women in the Service, particularly Group Captain Theodora Oluwafunmilayo Pereira (Rtd), a trailblazer who served as the first female Nigerian Air Force officer deployed to the war front and later became the Service’s first Chief Nursing Officer.
The seminar also featured a lecture by resource person, Nurse Niki Kinde, who highlighted the importance of physical and mental wellness as well as work-life balance among female personnel. She emphasized the need for healthy lifestyles, adequate rest, proper hydration and regular exercise in maintaining a productive and operationally effective workforce.
The event brought together senior officers, guest lecturers and female personnel of the Nigerian Air Force to reflect on the role of women in national development and strengthen collaboration aimed at promoting gender inclusion within the Service.
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