A young Nigerian Air Force officer, Wing Commander Musa Salmanu has been selected for prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) in United States of America. Salmanu who is Press Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff on strategic communications, has provided policy response to complex humanitarian emergencies in the fight against Boko Haram in North-Eastern Nigeria.

During his fellowship, the wing commander will pilot a program to improve school enrolment rates for children 5 to 12 years old by compensating for the lack of a social safety net and providing nutrition and food for students; education on the importance of diversity and tolerance; and outreach to families to ensure girls are not left behind.

The chairman of Eisenhower Fellowships General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret) said “The innovative Fellows are united by their passion to benefit their countries and region by collaborating across disciplines to achieve their vision as global network of influential leaders.”

“The 2016 Africa Program Fellows will play a key role in shaping, empowering and connecting the next generation of African leaders who will address the continent’s profound political, economic and social challenges,” added George de Lama, president of EF.

Wing Commander Musa has a BSc Degree in Political Science and Defence Studies from Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna: and also holds MA, Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, USAF, Montgomery; Certificate in Leadership for Sustainability from United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan;   MA, Conflict Security and Development, King’s College, London, and MSc, Political Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Musa had also served as Assistant Adjutant, Nigerian Defence Academy;  Expert on Mission, United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission, Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO); African Leadership Center Peace and Security Fellow, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); Public Relations Officer, Military Pensions Board and Staff Officer for Community Relations, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters; and Administrative Officer, Instructor, Nigerian Air Force.