Leadership Transition At Tactical Air Command As AVM Michael Ekwueme Assumes Duty As 47th AOC

Leadership Transition At Tactical Air Command As AVM Michael Ekwueme Assumes Duty As 47th AOC

Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Michael Ekwueme has assumed command as the 47th Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force’s Tactical Air Command (TAC), succeeding AVM Patrick Obeya. The leadership transition, marked by a brief but colourful handover ceremony held recently at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State, underscores continuity of command at the NAF’s offensive arm, which remains central to projecting airpower in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and providing decisive air support to ground forces in protecting the lives and property of citizens during ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

In his maiden address, AVM Ekwueme pledged to sustain and advance the Command’s operational responsibilities, reaffirming TAC’s critical role in delivering combat airpower in support of national security objectives. He assured personnel that their welfare would remain a priority, in line with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects.

AVM Ekwueme commended his predecessor, AVM Patrick Obeya, for the notable successes recorded during his tenure. In his farewell remarks, AVM Obeya congratulated the new AOC, describing him as a dependable and seasoned senior officer with the requisite pedigree to lead the Command at a critical period. He also called on personnel to accord AVM Ekwueme their full cooperation as he proceeds to resume in Abuja as the Director General, Airpower Centre of Excellence. The ceremony was well attended by principal staff officers, commanders, and commandants of NAF units in Makurdi, and featured the signing of handover notes and the symbolic exchange of TAC colours.