Meet Nigeria's New Air Chief, Bala Abubakar: Biography and Profile
Introducing Nigeria's New Air Chief, Bala Abubakar: Biography and Profile
In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff, replacing Air Vice Marshal Ishiaka Amao, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.
Let's delve into the intriguing profile of Air Vice Marshal Abubakar:
Background Information
Born on September 11, 1970, in Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar joined the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a member of NDA RC 39 and became a commissioned Pilot Officer on September 19, 1992.
Courses Attended and Qualifications
Throughout his career, the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, has pursued numerous courses, including:
- - Bachelor of Science Degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.
- - Ab initio and Basic Flying Training Courses at the 301 Flying Training School in Kaduna.
- - Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses at the Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School in Jaji.
- - Company Amphibious Operations Course at the Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School in Calabar.
- - Junior and Senior Command and Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.
- - National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt.
- - Master's Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU Zaria.
Previous Appointments
Air Vice Marshal Abubakar has held various significant positions, including:
- - Admin Officer 16 Engineering Wing, 1 Engineering Group NAF Makurdi.
- - Officer Commanding Admin Services Flight/Group Public Relations Officer, 97 Special Operations Group NAF Port Harcourt.
- - Officer Commanding Yellow Squadron - Air Force Military School Jos.
- - Admin Officer Primary Flying Training Wing - 301 FTS NAF Kaduna.
- - SO1 Admin 301 FTS NAF Kaduna.
- - Officer Commanding 'B' Squadron (Do 228) - 81 Air Maritime Group NAF Benin.
- - Team Leader MILOB Team Site 615 Mahagi (Ituri Brigade) MONUC.
- - Aviation Planning Officer, MONUC Air Operations Kinshasa, DRC.
- - Commanding Officer Base Services Wing 81 Air Maritime Group Nigerian Air Force Benin.
- - Operations Officer Operational Conversion Unit 88 Military Airlift Group Nigerian Air Force Lagos.
- - Operations Officer 88 Military Airlift Group Ikeja Lagos.
- - Commanding Officer 21 Wing 88 Military Airlift Group Lagos.
- - Group Safety Officer 88 Military Airlift Group Ikeja Lagos.
- - Fleet operation officer - 011 Presidential Air Fleet.
- - Commander 011 Presidential Air Fleet.
- - Chief of Staff, Mobility Command.
- - Director of Policy, HQ NAF, and lastly
- - Director of Operations, HQ NAF.
- - Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.
- - Currently the Chief of Standards and Operations, HQ NAF.
Awards and Decorations
Recognized for his exemplary service, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar has been honored with several awards and decorations, including:
- Distinguished Service Star.
- Passed Staff Course (psc).
- Fellow Defence College.
- Masters in International Affairs.
- Member National Institute of Management.
- Member Chartered Institute of Public Management.
- Member Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals.
Marital Status and Hobbies
Air Vice Marshal HB Abubakar is happily married with children. In his leisure time, he enjoys flying airplanes, reading, reflecting, and keeping fit.
As we welcome Nigeria's new Air Chief, Bala Abubakar, let us acknowledge his remarkable journey and achievements. Stay tuned for more updates!