The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has charged junior military officers to lead with courage, humility, and innovation as they advance in their careers.
He delivered the call while addressing graduates of Junior Course 99 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the officers on successfully completing months of rigorous academic and military training. The course included participants from Nigeria and allied nations, with the CAS applauding the international officers for bringing valuable diversity to the programme.
In his address, the Air Chief emphasized that the “Passed Junior Staff Course” designation signifies more than academic achievement—it marks a transition to higher responsibility and strategic leadership.
“You must now lead with courage and humility, embrace innovation, and promote jointness in all your operations,” he said. “The battlefield of the future will not reward rigidity but favour those who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and intellectually curious.”
He urged the graduates to question outdated doctrines and prepare for the evolving nature of warfare, stressing that leadership must be rooted in character and the ability to inspire.
Air Marshal Abubakar also commended the AFCSC commandant and faculty for their dedication to training future military leaders. He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing the military’s professional development goals.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants. Among the top honorees was Flight Lieutenant TS Gbassa, a trailblazing female pilot, who received the Chief of the Air Staff Award for her exceptional performance during the course.
The graduation marked a significant milestone in the careers of the junior officers, reaffirming their commitment to national and international security.
, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has charged junior military officers to lead with courage, humility, and innovation as they advance in their careers.){kind=link}