By Tola Gbadamosi
In line with the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, redeployment of senior officers aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, Air Vice Marshal, AVM, Esen Efanga has officially assumed office as the 11th Air Officer Commanding, AOC, Air Training Command, ATC.
The formal handover ceremony was held at the ATC headquarters in Kaduna, and was conducted in accordance with the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force.
A statement signed by the NAF stated that the colourful ceremony was attended by senior officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the Command.
Highlights of the event included the traditional handing and taking over of the Command flag, as well as the signing of handover notes between the outgoing and incoming AOCs, symbolising the formal transfer of authority and responsibility.
The ceremony underscored leadership continuity within the Command and reaffirmed the central role of training as the backbone of operational readiness, discipline and airpower effectiveness.
In his maiden address, AVM Efanga expressed deep appreciation to the CAS for the confidence reposed in him, while paying tribute to his predecessor for his exemplary leadership and the solid foundation laid during his tenure.
He pledged to strengthen training standards through innovation and realism to ensure NAF personnel remain fully prepared for ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-banditry and counter-terrorism operations across all theatres.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing AOC, AVM Ahmed Yusuf Dari, thanked officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff for their professionalism and unwavering support.
He also assured that, in his new role as Chief of Training at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, he would continue to enhance training frameworks to directly support operational effectiveness and mission success.