Memories as Air chief visits Lagos childhood residence

Aneke during the visit

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has visited the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of an official inspection programme.

During the visit, the Air Chief went to the residential quarters where he lived as a child with his family.

According to a post shared on X on Saturday, Aneke inspected the flat units where he resided for more than a decade while his father, an Air Force personnel, served at the base before retiring as an Air Warrant Officer.

Residents of the base, including women and children, came out to receive the CAS during the walk-through.

He interacted with them and recalled his childhood years on the base, highlighting the values of discipline and service he said were instilled in him at an early age.

“At each stop, he greeted residents warmly and extended kind gestures, echoing a similar visit to his childhood residence in NAF Base Kaduna last year.

“Standing in familiar surroundings, he shared vivid recollections of growing up on the base and spoke about the values of discipline, service, and perseverance instilled in him from an early age.

“For many watching, it was more than a senior officer speaking; it was a reminder that greatness can grow quietly in ordinary spaces. “The emotional peak came as youngsters gathered around him, chanting, “We love you, sir, and want to be like you,” the post partly read. Also, the CAS visited a former colleague and friend on the base who is currently wheelchair-bound following a stroke.

Aneke also addressed young residents, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their education and aspirations.

“In a people-focused policy highlight, the CAS directed a concession for Air Women of the rank of Warrant Officer and above, granting greater flexibility in residential choices to strengthen family unity and welfare.