Event: Eze Chika commends outgoing commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo for a fulling career as he retires meritoriously.

Event: Eze Chika commends outgoing commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo for a fulling career as he retires meritoriously.

By Onome Naomi

Eze Chika Nwokedi, the Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman Ndi Eze Council Lagos state has again shown his absolute support for uniform personnels as he honours and applauds Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo for his successful career by gracing the pulling out ceremony orchestrated by the Nigerian Armed Forces usually observed for retiring officers who have served the country meritoriously and are due to take a bow out of service.

It is said that the pulling out service is observed as a sign of respect for the retiring officers in form of a welfare parade.
One of such is the pulling out ceremony of the outgoing commandant of Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Oshodi, Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo OFR DFM FCMH FCM GSS psc fdc GSM RBS phD MPA MBA FCIA FCIMP FCILGPAN DFISS which took place on NAFRC parade ground on 4th July, 2023. This compulsory retirement is in line with the federal govt direction for all military personnel from course 39 and above to resign service upon the appointment of the present Chief of Staff of the Federation.

Dignitaries and guest who graced the occasion as special guest includes: Eze Chika Nwokedi who doubles as chairman council of Ezes in Lagos and Ezendigbo Ijegun Ijeododo Okpoko 1, Wives of retiring officers , militaries personnels from different formations, some other traditional rulers, guests and well-wishers of the outgoing commandant, Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo who was accompanied by his wife Chief Mrs Jummai Ohwo, the newly appointed Commandant, Air Vice Marshal AH Amesinlola, Major General Olagunju, every senior officers present , flag officer commanding , directors commanders both serving and retired, invited guest.

In Air Marshal CA Ohwo farewell message, he appreciated the invited guest, fellow service men, family and friends who graced the occasion of his pulling out ceremony after 34 years of service. He expressed gratitude and relief as he leaves the armed Forces of Nigerian especially NAFRC happier and more accomplished.

Recounting his experiences, upon enlistment in 1985 after a successful cadet training, said he was commissioned in 1990 and later became a combat pilot and rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal 2017, serving as 3 times On Air officer commanding, and tactical commanding special operations command and he is leaving the service as the 39th commandant of Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Oshodi in good health and sound mind.

However his achievements celebrated this day is as a result of visionary thinking of the founding fathers, resolute commitment of past leaders of Armed Forces as well as dedication and hardwork of the past commandants and officers who served in the Oshodi resettlement centre.

Air Marshal CA Ohwo congratulates disengaging officers of NAFRC course 1 2023, as well as the participants of senior and medium level entrepreneurship and management course for their utmost cooperation to make a better person of themselves after attending their pull out engagement in June 2023. Today 4th of July 2023, Ohwo is being pulled out as a retiring commandant of NAFRC too which has brought him to the popular saying of “Soldier go soldier come but barrack remains. Said as he positions into a new phase of life, he will always support the course of NAFRC when necessary.

Ohwo said the opportunity to be the commandant of NAFRC in January 2023 on appointment as the 39th commandant came with it’s challenges as he embarks on a visionary project to equip retiring officers. These disengaging officers attended a vocational training exercise with an available human infrastructure capital to transform NAFRC into a world class centre of excellence which was achieved during his administration. The centre had always implore ways and means available for teaching and learning, equipping retiring officers with amass of knowledge and skills in a conducive environment as he had promised. Thereby matching words with actions as evident in the past months despite challenges.”

More also, Ohwo recounted his life and service experiences in a nutshell in the last 38 yrs from cadetship to generalship. He served with diverse senior officers, colleagues and junior officers fellow men and women in vocations and different capacities, which has led to diverse experiences, said he was inducted to serve the nation and with all humility he truly served. Gives thanks to God for a successful completion of service, thanks his family friends, his teachers and instructors in the military, specially thanked his wife Chief Mrs Jummai Ohwo and his children for their endurance Sacrifice and support. Said the journey was torturous with valleys of death along the way but with God he scaled through. He appreciated Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Federal Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, Members of the National assembly for all the support accorded. He also appreciated all former chiefs of the air staff, commanders whom he got his. Tutelage from, his Dept commander Major General Agboola, Directing officers, Officers commanding and various heads of departments of NAFRC for believing in his vision, their loyalty and others in the NAFRC community.

He also acknowledged the immediate past Chief of Defence staff Gen. Irabor CFR, Service chiefs especially coursemates Gen. Farouk Yaya, and former Chief of Air staff, Isiaka Oladayo Amao CFR for giving him the opportunity to serve here as the 39th Commandant of NAFRC. For the newly appointed commandant Air Vice Marshal AH Amesinlola and other service chiefs he expresses his sincere support .

He said he is retiring into the sunset of military service and leaving NAFRC in the hands of patriotic confident and capable hands of directors and particularly pleased that he is handing over to Air Vice Marshal AH Amesinlola who he knows will take NAFRC to greater heights.

The Commandant Air Vice Marshal AH Amesinlola also on behalf of NAFRC Management Team, Officers, Servicemen, Civilian Staff and the entire NAFRC Community respectfully thank all those who have contributed in no small ways towards making the ceremony a success.

From the parade ground, Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo accompanied by his wife was moved to the officers mess where a land Rover conveying the out going commandant was pulled out of the barrack gate to show the culture of bowing out of service.

Eze Chika Nwokedi express profound gratitude over the successful completion of his friend Air Vice Marshal Ohwo’s time in service, describes him as a man with utmost integrity, a humane and resourceful military personnel of great virtue. A visionary leader with the rightful thinking towards making progress. Wishes him well as he embarks on a life after service to humanity and the nation, says “Once a soldier is always a soldier”.

See profile of Air Vice Marshal CA Ohwo below:

CITATION – AVM CHARLES AKPOCHAI OHWO (NAF/2066)

1. Air Vice Marshal Charles Akpochai Ohwo Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) was born on 7 November 1967 in Benin City. He hails from Agbara-Otor in Ughelli- North Local Government Area of Delta State. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1985 as a member of 37 Regular Course. He was commissioned pilot officer in September 1990. The senior officer graduated with a first-class Honours degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He also holds Masters in Business Admin, Masters Public Admin from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a PhD in Public Admin from Lead City University, Ibadan. Air Vice Marshal Ohwo is an accomplished combat helicopter pilot who has flown several aircraft types including the rugged Mi-series. He is one of the most experienced combat helicopter pilot ever produced by the Nigerian Air Force.

2. As a combat pilot, he has garnered 4,500 flying hours and has served in all theaters of operations within the country. He is a Qualified instructor pilot who has trained numerous combat helicopter pilots in the Nigerian Air Force, many of whom are currently serving in the North East and North West as well as other operations around the country. He is also a trained Aviation Safety Officer and an aircraft accident investigator who has been involved in the investigation of numerous aircraft accidents including those of sister services. Air Vice Marshal Ohwo is the the 39th Comdt of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos.

3. AVM CA Ohwo’s leadership acumen has been excellent in the various Command appointments he has held. As the Comd 305 Special Mobility Group, Calabar, he was able to contain the attempted jail break at Calabar Correctional Centre in 2015 and that earned him a commendation letter from the Controller of Prisons, Cross River State Command. He also ensured that the officers mess was befitting while he carried out many developmental projects in the various NAF quarters in Calabar. He was one time the Comd 115 Special Operations Group where he doubled as the Air Component Commander Operation PULO SHIELD. He was also the Comd 105 Composite Group where he also doubled as the Air Component Commander in Operation LAFIYA DOLE. In all these appointments, he was instrumental to the destruction of many camps in the Niger Delta creeks, which led the militants to embracing the amnesty programme of the Federal Government. He was also instrumental to the various successes of the Air Component in operation LAFIYA DOLE during his watch. Due to his numerous exploits, he received a letter of commendation from, the then Theatre now Gen LEO Irabo (rtd).

4. AVM CA Ohwo was also part of the success story as the Air Component Support of Operation Safe Heaven Jos. He led the 3- Ship Mi-35P formation that dislodge the Bandits at the Kakrouk Hill in Jos, Plateau State. As Director of Operations, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, he superintended and directed all Nigerian Air Force operations and was the pivot point for the successful airlift of the 2019 electoral materials and personnel by the Nigerian Air Force. This was achieved through effective coordination and liaison between the Nigerian Air Force, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

5. As the 39th Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, he also provided quality leadership to both 101 ADG and the 131 Engr Group to ensure maximum impact on the war against insurgency in the North Central (Operation WHIRL STROKE) while Superintending over operations in North East (Operation LAFIYA DOLE) and South South (Operation DELTA SAFE). Immediately after his resumption as the 7th Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, he was able to change the narrative of the Command from the last to the first Command in the Nigerian Air Force. Within a short period, he was able to raise the profile of the Command through the idea of beautification of the Command Headquarters as well as that of Base as a whole. The ingenuity of the senior officer was brought to bear during the COVID 19 where in his compliance to HQ NAF directives designed and mass produced Hands Free Washing Device which were distributed across the Command. This led to NAF directive that other Command should emulate. As the 7th Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, his leadership has led to various successes recorded in the fight against armed banditry and terrorism in the North West by operation HADARIN DAJI and in the North Central by operation Safe Haven and operation WHIRL PUNCH in Kaduna State.

6. Notable among the successes recorded include the neutralization of armed bandits in a coordinated air strike in Kastina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi state. These feats were recorded through a subsidiary air operation codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI. He also oversaw the Air and Ground Operations TAIMAKO YAZO 1,2 and 3 along KADUNA – ABUJA and KADUNA 1 BIRNI GWARI Roads to degrade banditry and kidnapping activities from Dec 20 – 5 Mar 21. The operations created a safe passage for motorists and also neighboring communities having free movement back in existence. Also, he took part and coordinate with the GOC 8 DIV/FC OPHD in the rescue missions of the 300 kidnapped Kankara school boys in Katsina State on 17 Dec 20 as well as the rescue of Alpha Jet down pilot on 19 Jul 20. In line with its normal military routine and traditions of change of Command at all level, AVM Ohwo was redeployed to Logistics Command, Ikeja as the 44th Air Officer Commanding on 6 Sep 21 and was able to steer the affairs of the Command efficiently to greater height. Subsequently, on 31 Dec 21, AVM Ohwo was appointed as the 15th Chief of Policy and Plans Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, appointment he held till 8 Aug 22. Air Vice Marshal Ohwo was also the 12th Chief of Transformation and Innovation Defence Headquarters Nigeria, before his appointment as the 39th Comdt Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

7. AVM Ohwo’s performance as stated earlier has been nothing short of exemplary as an individual, team player and a leader. has also contributed immensely towards the development of the NAF and has been greatly commended for his leadership style as well as his prudent management of resources. As the Chairman NAF Day 2018 he introduced photo gallery to the event to recount the NAF history. As such, he has earned several awards, notable among them are: CAS Award for Best Air Component Commander 2017, Letter of Commendation from the Niger State Governor, The Chief Servant Muazu Babangida Aliyu OON for providing adequate Security and Surveillance during the year 2012 Annual International Sheikh Ibrahim Inyasse (RTA) Maulud held in Minna. He also got another commendation letter for the successful conduct of AIR EXPO 2012 and the making of the 48th Anniversary of the NAF by the Former Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal MD Umar. He also got the CAS Letter of for exemplary leadership 2020 as the only AVM and AOC who was engaged in active flying and cleared 3 Captains and 6 Co-pilots within a record time of 2 months amongst others. AVM Ohwo is the first Helicopter Pilot in the NAF to acquire Private License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument and Certified Flying Instructor (CFI) rating from Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) USA.

8. During the AVM CA Ohwo tour of duty in NAFRC, his achievements were unprecedented and strategic, his exploit span the area of both infrastructural development and capacity building of both personnel and trainees of the Centre. Among AVM CA Ohwo’s accomplishments are the renovation of the Headquarters NAFRC, the refurbishment of the parade ground, the remodelling of Exit Gate 1 and 2 and the procurement & installation of 10 air conditioning units (10 HP) in the Buhari Hall. Others include, provision of new equipment/machines for the various workshops/departments and facilitation of the delivery of 3 trucks from DHQ amongst others.

DECORATIONS

9. AVM CA Ohwo has earned the following decorations: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), Field Command (FCM), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Pass Staff Course (psc), Fellow Defence College (fdc), General Service Medal (GSS) and River Benue Star (RBS). Others are Doctor of Philosophy Public Administration (PhD), Masters in Public Administration, Masters in Business Administration, Chartered Institute of Local Government Personnel Administration of Nigeria and Fellow Institute Corporate Administration, Fellow Chartered Institute of Management and Personnel, and Fellow Institute of Criminology and Security Studies of Nigeria.

APPOINTMENTS HELD

10. The senior officer has held several appointments some of which include:

a. Administrative officer 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna State.

b. Chairman Kaduna State Task Force on Security and Environment Sanitation.

C. Commander Rapid Response Squad, Nigerian Air Force, Enugu State.

d. Commandant Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

e. Group Safety Officer 97 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

f. Group Admin Officer 97 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

g. Staff Officer 1 Operations Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Abuja.

h. Assistant Director of Coordination, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (Directorate of Operations) Abuja.

i. Instructor Pilot, 115 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

j. Commanding Officer Operations Conversion Wing 97 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

k. Commanding Officer 207 Wing, 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

I. Group Operations Officer, 305 Special Mobility Group Calabar, Cross River State.

m. Commander 305 Special Mobility Group Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

n. Commander, 115 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

0. Air Component Commander, Operation PULO SHIELD, Niger Delta, Rivers State.

p. Commander 105 Composite Group Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, Borno State.

q. Air Component Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri, Borno State.

r. Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Abuja.

S. Chief of Staff Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi, Benue State.

t. Director of Evaluation, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.

u. Acting Chief of Standard and Evaluation
Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.

v. Chairman Nigerian Air Force Day Celebration-2018, Kaduna.

w. Director of Operations, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.

X. The 39th Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi, Benue State.

y. The 7th Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Nigerian Air Force, Bauchi State.

Z The 44th Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Nigerian Air Force, Lagos State.

aa. Chief of Policy and Plans Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Abuja.

ab. Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation,Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

ac. The 39th Commandant Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Read Also:Eze Chika Nwokedi Honors NAFRC Combined Passing Out Ceremony of Disengaging Trainees Course 1/2023, Senior/Mid-Level Officers Entrepreneurship & Management Course 6/2023

COURSES ATTENDED/QUALIFICATIONS

11. AVM Ohwo’s relentless drive for excellence and self- actualization has been manifested in various facets including his outstanding performances in all his attended courses. He has c attended several professional courses both locally and abroad within Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States of America. Some of the courses attended include:

a. Military Courses.

(1)Primary Flying Course, 401 FTS, Kaduna State

(2) Basic Helicopter Flying Course, 405 HCTG, Enugu state .

(3) Advance Basic Helicopter Course in Russia.

(4) Junior Staff Courses, AFCSC Jaji, Kaduna State

(5) Senior Staff Course China.

(6) Flight Safety Course in Pakistan.

(7) Safety and Aircraft Accident Investigation Course Pakinstan

(8) Helicopter Training Course in, USA.

(9) National Defence Course South Africa.

b. Aircraft Flown

(1) ABT-18 aircraft

(2) Bulldog aircraft

(3) Schweizer-300i

(4) Schweizer – 300c

(5) Mi -24v

(6) Mi – 34c

(7) Mi-35P

(8) Mi-35V

(9) Mi-34M

(10)Mi-17

(11)Mi -171E

(12) T-129

c. Current IP Status

Command Instructor Pilot

d Civil Courses.

(1) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Public Administration.

(2) Masters in Public Administration.

(3) Masters in Business Administration.

(3) Bsc Mathematics and Computer Science (First Class)

FAMILY AND HOBBIES

The very senior officer is happily married to Mrs Jummai Ohwo and the union is blessed with 2 adorable boys. At his leisure, he enjoys reading, flying and playing golf.

See photos and videos from the pulling out event: