Recently, there was a change of guard at the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Mobility Command, Headquarters in Yanagoa , Bayelsa state as the out gone Air Officer Commanding, AOC, Mobility Command Air Vice Marshal OS Abosede handed over to the in-coming AOC, Air Vice Marshal Umar Omeiza. Aherhoke Okioma reports
The popular saying that what has a beginning must also have an end. AVM Abosede recently retired from the Airforce after putting in 34 years of meritorious service to his fatherlandwhile the new Commanding Officer, Avm Umar Omeiza has also formally resumed duties in a colorful ceremony moderated by Sqn Leader Emmanuel Iheoma.
The Headquarters Mobility Command Nigerian Air force , Yenagoa has got a new Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, he is Avm Umar Omeiza who took over from Avm OS Abosede who retired from the service after 34 years of meritorious service to the country as the fifth AOC.
The Mobility Command Nigerian Air force had Avm John Aprekuma who served between 23rd February 2011 – 18th November 2012 as its pioneer AOC and handed over to Avm AO Idowu 19th November-26th Setember2013. And between 27th September 2013-23rd January2014 Avm CN Chukwu was in charge.
Speaking to journalists, shortly after the brief handing and taking over ceremony, Avm SO Abosede, the 4th AOC Mobility Command was filled with joy for successfully been in charge of the Mobility Command and since his assumption till date cherish a fond memories and commended the Federal government and Bayelsa state government for the logistics support towards the Command’s operations and wish that his successor be given such cooperation to enable him succeed during his tenure.
While the in – coming AOC Avm Umar did not only bid his predecessor good bye after a meritorious service ,but assured that he would not relent in the command’s mandate of securing and protecting the territorial integrity of the Nation, just as he solicited for the support and cooperation from the state and federal government.He also promised synergy with other security agencies for optimum results in not only protecting life and properties, but also the fight against pipeline vandalism , crude oil theft,illegal bunkering and other nefarious activities in the Niger Delta Region.
Avm Abosede in a valedictory message had thanked God Almighty for his mercies for seeing him through all these years of Service to his fatherland and commended his wife and family for his absences during official assignments and expressed regret over the current insecurity in the nation and prayed for peace which is panacea to development of the country.
The man Avm SO Abosede
Early life
Samule Oluwaranti Abosede who hails from Ijebu-Ijesha in Ogun state was born on 26 February 1959.On completion of his primary and secondary education was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as member of the 27 Regular Course in 1980.He passed out as the Best All-round and Best Air force cadet and was commissioned pilot officer on January 1st 1980 and he rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshall on January 4th 2011.
Military courses attended
Avm Abosede started his flying career at the 301 Flying Training school, Kaduna and has attended various flying courses both at home and abroad.The senior officer attended both junior and senior Command and staff course in the USA and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College,Jaji-Kaduna respectively.In addition, he is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence College , Abuja- Nigeria.
Appointments Held
The senior officer has held several appointments among which are , Commanding Officer ,Light Transport Wing, ECOMOG Operations in Liberia ,Commander 301 Flying Training School and Director of Evaluation at HQ NAF.He was Director of Operations at HQ NAF before his appointment as the AOC ,Mobility Command in February 14.
Avm Abosede is a qualified Instructor Pilot and a holder of Air Transport Pilot Licence.He has flown over 9 aircraft types including the NAF 001 at the presidential Air Fleet.The senior officer has over 28 flying experience with over 5, 500 flying hours to his credit and has visited over 50 countries of the world in his flying and service career .
Decorations
The distinguished senior officer has earned the following decorations, Distinguished Service Star ( DSS ), Meritorious Service Star (MSS ), Forces Service Star (FSS),Pass Staff Course (PSC) and Fellow War College (FWC).
Marital status and hobbies
Avm Abosede is happily married to Mrs Abosede and they are blessed with children. His hobbies are reading, jogging and photography
