NAF Launches Youth-Focused Literary Competition to Promote Innovation in Emerging Technologies

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on young Nigerians to take part in a nationwide literary competition aimed at encouraging creativity, intellectual engagement and fresh ideas on the future of air operations.

The initiative, announced by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, is intended to stimulate youth participation in discussions around national security, emerging technologies and modern airpower. According to a statement signed by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the competition opened on 21 November 2025 and will close on 28 February 2026.

This year’s edition provides what NAF describes as a “dynamic platform” for young people to present their perspectives on contemporary security and technological issues. Participants will compete across three categories — essay, art and poetry — all centred on the theme “Optimising Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Air Operations.”

The theme reflects the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies into its operations as it prepares for evolving security challenges. Officials say the competition is not only about rewarding talent but also about strengthening civil–military relations and encouraging informed youth advocacy.

NAF says the initiative is part of a broader commitment to developing young Nigerians intellectually and fostering innovation that could contribute to future air capability.