Opening the 2025 NAF Music Personnel Workshop in Abuja, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke declared music a vital soft-power asset for building public trust, deepening engagement, and projecting national pride.

The workshop, themed “Music as a Tool for Winning Hearts and Minds for Enhanced Civil-Military Cooperation in Support of Nigerian Air Force Operations,” convened band commanders and music specialists from NAF units nationwide.

Represented by Air Commodore Christopher Akpa, Director of Enabling Operations at the Civil-Military Relations Branch, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that military bands have transcended ceremonial roles to become integral to modern operations. 

He stressed that securing public support is as critical as battlefield victories, with NAF now integrating kinetic actions with cultural outreach, community initiatives, and musical diplomacy. 

He charged participants to embody professionalism and excellence as ambassadors of discipline, unity, and service.

Earlier, Director of Music Group Captain Ayodeji Ayanbode noted that the annual event, now in its fourth edition since the Directorate of Music was established in 2019—aims to sharpen the skills of NAF musicians. 

He highlighted music’s unmatched role in boosting morale, fostering harmony, and advancing the NAF’s non-kinetic security strategy. 

The workshop includes technical sessions on music administration, performance standards, and public communication to enhance operational impact.