By Shafiq Shehu

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has identified technology, innovation and investment in youth education as critical to achieving effective national security.

He stated this on Friday during the presentation of cash award to the third winner of the 2026 edition of the CAS Literary Competition, held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Special Operation Command, Bauchi.

The theme of the competition is: “Optimising Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Air Operations.”

Aneke was represented by AVM Ahmed Idris, Air Officer Commanding, Special Operation Command, Bauchi.

He said that national security was no longer defined solely by military strength, rather it encompasses education, economic opportunity, technological capability, social stability and the confidence of citizens in their institutions.

The CAS highlighted that investing in young Nigerians was itself an investment in national security.

“This is why the NAF continues to support initiatives that promote education, skills acquisition, youth development, empowerment and community engagement,” he said.

Aneke listed the initiatives to include the CAS Literary Competition; NAFOWA empowerment and skills acquisition initiatives, youth oriented technology and innovation programmes, and the CAS Special Intervention projects.

“The underlying message is simple: Empowering Nigerians is part of securing Nigeria,” he said.

According to Aneke, human capacity is at the centre of the NAF, to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.

Aneke said that the initiative also aligned with his emphasis on standardised training and mission-focused capability development, as well as leveraging innovation, emerging technologies and strategic partnerships for capacity development and self-reliance.

“These are not merely military imperatives. They are national imperatives.

“The theme of this competition also reminds us that emerging technologies must not be viewed only through the lens of warfare. They can transform healthcare, agriculture, education, transportation, manufacturing, communication and public administration.

“Nigeria must therefore increasingly move from being primarily a consumer of technology to becoming a nation that can develop, adapt and apply technology to solve its own problems,” he said.

While congratulating the third position winner, Aisha Nana Muhammad, the CAS described the award as a recognition of her intellectual effort, creativity and discipline.

Aneke enjoined her to continue to read, write, question and innovate, and use her talents to contribute to national development.

He also urged other participants of the competition not to be discouraged but continue to learn, improve and return stronger.

The air chief further commended the management and academic community of the Federal University of Health Science, Azare, for the feat.

“Universities are critical to national development because they are centres where knowledge is created, innovation is nurtured and future leaders are prepared.”

Also, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan, Vice-Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, lauded the initiative.

He said that AYBU had established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) special centre, to promote research and innovation for sustainable social and econimic development.

Hassan urged youths to devote more to studies and innovations to enable them to contribute to national development.

On her part, Muhammad commended the NAF for the opportunity orginising the competition.

Muhammad, who is a student of Medicine at the Federal University of Health Science, Azare, clinched the third position in the competition.

The competition attracted 951 entries across primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions culminating in nine winners.

The event featured a presentation of N1 million cheque and a plaque to Muhammad by the NAF. (NAN)

Edited Rabiu Sani-Ali