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UNIEC - LETTER OF COMMENDATION

 









His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR 

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Aso Rock Presidential Villa

Abuja, Nigeria


Your Excellency,

RE: COMMENDATION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF AIR VICE MARSHAL SUNDAY KELVIN ANEKE AS CHIEF OF AIR STAFF

On behalf of the United Igbo Elders Congress Worldwide (UNIEC), representing Igbo traditional, civic and professional leadership across the globe, I write to extend our profound appreciation and felicitations on your decision to appoint Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). This appointment marks a historic milestone — the first time an officer of Igbo origin has been elevated to that high office — and we commend you for this inclusive and significant decision.

We note with pride that AVM Aneke hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, and brings both exemplary professional credentials and international operational experience to his new role. His appointment sends a strong signal of national unity, respect for meritocracy, and commitment to leveraging the best of Nigeria’s human resources irrespective of ethnic background.

Below we present, for your record and for the benefit of stakeholders, a brief biography and operational summary of AVM Aneke.

BIOGRAPHY 

Born 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State; he hails from Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Son of Air Warrant Officer (Rtd) Sylvester Aneke and Mrs Ngozi Aneke. 

EARLY EDUCATION:

Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’, Kaduna (1976–1982); Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987). 

Admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy, 40th Regular Combatant Course; commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as Pilot Officer on 10 September 1993. 

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor of Science (Physics); Postgraduate Diploma in Management (University of Calabar); Master’s degree in International Affairs & Diplomacy (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria); Master’s in Political Economy & Development Studies (University of Abuja); Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA); currently pursuing a Ph.D. 

MILITARY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Attended Armed Forces Command & Staff College, Jaji (Junior & Senior Staff Courses); United States Air War College (Maxwell AFB, Alabama) for Master’s in Strategic Studies. 

FAMILY:

Married to Mrs Ngozi Enderline Aneke; three sons: Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian and Uchechukwu Jason. 

OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Pilot-aviator with over 4,300 flying hours (some sources indicate 4,359 hours) on multiple aircraft types, including Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550 and Hawker 4000. 

OPERATIONAL THEATRES:

Participated in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) operations in the Niger Delta (Operation Restore Hope, 2004-2005) as a Squadron Leader. 

Served in the Democratic Republic of Congo under UN peace-keeping operations: as Air Operations Officer in Kinshasa and Chief of Air Operations for the Kindu Region (2005-2006).

Held key command/staff positions in NAF: Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group; Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy; Director of Policy; Director of Safety; Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters; Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command (Yenagoa) where he enhanced air mobility, joint-force integration and strategic response capability.

Known for his calm disposition, strategic foresight, integrity and results-oriented leadership. His experience spans across tactical, operational and strategic levels of airpower application. 

Your Excellency, in appointing AVM Aneke, you have demonstrated a commitment to recognising excellence and promoting national cohesion. UNIEC believes that his tenure will contribute significantly to enhancing the Nigerian Air Force’s efficiency, responsiveness and transformational capacity in safeguarding our national airspace and supporting internal security operations.

As elders representing the Igbo Nation globally, we pledge our moral support and will continue to encourage the participation of Igbo professionals at the highest levels of national service. 

We look forward with confidence to the contributions of AVM Aneke and trust that under his leadership, the NAF will scale new heights in professionalism, innovation and operational readiness.

This appointment is a commendable step towards healing and unity. However, Your Excellency, and in the spirit of Oliver Twist, we are compelled to ask for more: we humbly request you to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Such a decisive act of statesmanship would profoundly resonate, cementing your legacy as a true unifier and further strengthening the bonds of our nation.

Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and our best wishes for trusted leadership, peace and progress for our beloved Nigeria.

Yours sincerely,

United Igbo Elders Congress Worldwide (UNIEC)

Ambassador Dr Obiora Odumah      Chairman, Board of Trustees

H. E. Pastor Michael Obierika           Secretary, Board of Trustees 


Cc:

Chief of Air Staff (AVM Sunday Kelvin Aneke)

Minister of Defence

President, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

President, House of Representatives

Igbo Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria

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