Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar has taken up the role of the new Chief of Air Staff, following the recent announcement by President Bola Tinubu regarding the retirement and replacement of service chiefs, News About Nigeria reports.
Abubakar, who is now the 22nd Chief of Air Staff, assumed his position in a formal ceremony held on Thursday.
The outgoing Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oludayo Amao, expressed his appreciation for the achievements and successes during his term despite the significant challenges faced.
In his farewell message, Amao encouraged his successor to strive for even greater accomplishments and urged Abubakar to lead the service to new heights during his tenure.
Amao specifically mentioned that he would miss the force, emphasizing that every beginning has an end.
Let’s take a closer look at the profile of the new Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar.
Born on September 11, 1970, he hails from the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State. Abubakar joined the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a member of the NDA Regular Course 39 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on September 19, 1992.
Abubakar’s educational background and qualifications include a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, as well as completion of Abinitio and Basic Flying Training Courses at the 301 Flying Training School in Kaduna.
He has also completed Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses at the Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School in Jaji, and a Company Amphibious Operations Course at the Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School in Calabar.
Furthermore, he has attended Junior and Senior Command and Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, and the National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt.
Abubakar holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU Zaria.
In terms of previous appointments, Abubakar has held various positions within the Nigerian Air Force. These include serving as the former Administrative Officer of the 16 Engineering Wing, 1 Engineering Group NAF Makurdi, and as the Officer Commanding the Administrative Services Flight/Group Public Relations Officer of the 97 Special Operations Group NAF Port Harcourt.
Additionally, he has served as the leader of the Yellow Squadron in the Air Force Military School located in Jos, as well as the administrative officer for the Primary Flying Training Wing situated at 301.
Abubakar’s outstanding performance and dedication have earned him several awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star.
He has also successfully completed the Staff Course, is a Fellow of the Defence College, holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs, and is a member of various professional institutes such as the National Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Public Management, and Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals.
Air Vice Marshal HB Abubakar leads a fulfilling personal life as well, being happily married and blessed with children.
