By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on Nigerian youths to harness their creativity, sharpen their intellectual capacity and contribute innovative ideas that can help shape the future of air operations through the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Literary Competition.
The competition, which commenced on November 21, 2025, and will run until February 28, 2026, is designed to promote youth engagement, informed advocacy and forward-looking thinking, while nurturing talents capable of contributing meaningfully to national development and security.
Initiated at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the 2025/2026 edition of the competition provides a vibrant platform for young Nigerians to articulate ideas, perspectives and creative interpretations on contemporary security and technology-driven issues.
By encouraging participation across multiple creative and intellectual outlets, the initiative seeks to stimulate critical thinking, deepen interest in emerging technologies and foster a culture of innovation aligned with the evolving demands of modern airpower and national security.
The competition will be held in three categories—Essay, Art and Poetry—allowing participants to engage the central theme through analytical writing, visual expression and creative storytelling. The theme, “Optimising Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Air Operations,” reflects the NAF’s strategic focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost operational effectiveness, improve mission outcomes and prepare for future security challenges in an increasingly complex operating environment.
Beyond its competitive scope, the CAS Literary Competition aims to inspire informed youth advocacy, strengthen civil–military relations and empower young Nigerians to see themselves as active stakeholders in national security and technological advancement.
The initiative further underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to inclusive engagement, intellectual development and the generation of innovative ideas that support effective and future-ready air operations.
Interested participants are advised to refer to the official flyer or poster for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria and submission requirements.
Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
January 13, 2026
