The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has restated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to supporting youth development through education, technology, and empowerment initiatives.
Abubakar made the pledge during the 301 Heavy Airlift Group (HAG) Cooperative Summer Robotics Training, Coding Exhibition, and Graduation Ceremony held at the NAF Base in Kaduna on Saturday. He was represented at the event by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun.
The Air Chief described the programme as a milestone for the 301 HAG Cooperative Society, the Kaduna NAF Base community, and Nigeria’s future. He said the robotics and coding training — introduced in Kaduna for the first time — was more than an academic exercise, calling it “a bold declaration that the future belongs to those who dare to innovate, learn and lead.”
He noted that seeing young pupils and secondary school students engaged in robotics, programming, and digital problem-solving was inspiring, adding that such activities cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and innovation — skills needed for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology leaders.
Abubakar highlighted that the Nigerian Air Force has long recognised the role of technology in shaping national defence and development, stressing that innovation must be nurtured from an early age. He congratulated the 301 HAG Cooperative Multipurpose Society for the initiative and praised the facilitators for sparking curiosity and confidence in the participants.
Addressing the young graduands, Abubakar said: “You are proof that age is no barrier to brilliance. Whether you built your first robot, wrote your first line of code, or discovered a new passion, you have taken a step many never dare to take. Keep going, keep building, and keep dreaming.”
He also linked the programme to other NAF initiatives, such as the recently concluded 2025 Chief of Air Staff Literary Competitions, all designed to promote youth education and empowerment.
Earlier, Group Captain John Igwenagum, President of the 301 HAG Cooperative Multipurpose Society, described the event as a major step forward in empowering children with future-ready skills. He explained that the robotics and coding training began in Lagos, with 45 children selected from more than 400 applicants. Following its success, the programme expanded to Kaduna, where 50 children from primary and secondary schools participated this year.
Igwenagum said the initiative aligns with the Air Force leadership’s philosophy of prioritising research, development, and advanced technology. He added that the programme prepares children for the global knowledge economy while encouraging creative problem-solving.
Beyond the training, the cooperative has also launched several welfare schemes for members in Kaduna, including subsidised commodities and other benefits. Igwenagum thanked the participants, coaches, and supporters of the programme, noting that awards were presented to individuals and groups who distinguished themselves during the training.