International Day Of The Boy Child: Chief Of Air Staff Advocates Leadership, Discipline and Youth Empowerment

International Day Of The Boy Child: Chief Of Air Staff Advocates Leadership, Discipline and Youth Empowerment

As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called for renewed commitment towards raising disciplined, responsible and resilient boys capable of contributing positively to national development and security. Reflecting on the 2026 theme, “Flourish & Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities,” the CAS stressed the need for mentorship, positive masculinity and emotional support for boys, especially amid growing challenges such as crime, substance abuse, cybercrime, violent extremism and negative peer influence. He noted that conversations around “Breaking the Silence: Boys and Mental Health” and “Boys for Integrity” are critical to shaping confident and morally grounded young men for the future.

Air Marshal Aneke stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains committed to youth development through its network of NAF Secondary Schools and Military School, which continues to nurture disciplined and responsible young boys through academic excellence, leadership training and character development. The CAS has also initiated special youth empowerment programmes focused on information technology, vocational training, entrepreneurship, aviation-related trades and heavy equipment operations aimed at promoting self-reliance and reducing vulnerability to crime and extremism.

The CAS therefore urged Nigerian boys to embrace discipline, integrity, patriotism and hard work, while rejecting all forms of anti-social behaviour. He reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s continued commitment to initiatives that empower young people towards building stronger families, safer communities and a more secure and prosperous nation.