Odita Sunday 
CAS Salutes NAF Nurses, Describes Them As Critical To Military Operations
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended nurses of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their dedication, professionalism and vital contributions to healthcare delivery within the Armed Forces.
The CAS gave the commendation during the 2026 International Nurses’ Week celebration held at the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences (NAFCONS) on Thursday.
Air Marshal Aneke described NAF nurses as “lifesavers” and strategic personnel whose roles remain critical to sustaining the health, readiness and operational effectiveness of officers and airmen across the Service.
According to him, nurses continue to play indispensable roles not only in healthcare delivery during peace time but also in conflict and operational environments where medical support remains crucial to military success.
The CAS noted that beyond their clinical responsibilities, NAF nurses have consistently demonstrated compassion, resilience and commitment in supporting personnel under demanding conditions.
Represented by the Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Air Commodore AJ Arumona, the CAS reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force leadership to strengthening healthcare delivery through sustained investment in training and capacity development.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” Air Marshal Aneke stressed the need to empower nurses through continuous education, professional development and improved working conditions.
“Empowering nurses through education, professional development, and conducive working environments remains essential to quality healthcare delivery and mission success,” the CAS stated.
He added that investing in nursing personnel represented a strategic investment in the future of healthcare delivery within both the Armed Forces and the wider Nigerian society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFCONS, Wing Commander VA Dung, praised nurses and student nurses for what he described as their commitment to the noble profession.
He described nurses as pillars of strength within the healthcare system and urged them to uphold ethical standards while embracing innovation and professional excellence.
The event featured lectures and professional engagements focusing on leadership, resilience, career development and the evolving role of nurses in modern healthcare systems.
Military analysts say the increasing emphasis on healthcare personnel development reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s broader strategy of strengthening operational readiness through improved welfare and medical support services.
The celebration also highlighted the growing role of military medical institutions in advancing healthcare training and emergency response capacity in Nigeria.
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