In Memory Of Nigeria's Pioneer Top Gun: Air Vice Marshal John Nmadu Yisa-Doko

John Nmadu Yisa-Doko was born on 13 February 1942 to Paul Kolo Yisa and Sarah Dufia Yisa Doko in Niger State, Nigeria. 

Air Vice Marshal Yisa-Doko started his education at St. Peter's School, Doko in 1947 before moving to St. John's School in 1951 at Bida where he completed his primary education in 1955. After his primary school, he moved to Government College, Kaduna for his secondary education, graduating in 1961. He then moved on to the Federal Emergency Science School, Lagos in 1962.

He enrolled into the NAF as a cadet in 1962 and was one of the pioneer officer cadets sent to the Imperial Ethiopian Air Force for pilot training between 1962 and 1964. On return from Ethiopia, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1964.

He was amongst the first batch of pilots recruited to serve in the newly formed Nigerian Air Force and he became the first air commander of platoon, when the German technical assistance team concluded their mission to form the Nigerian Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal John Yisa-Doko was signalled and maturation to the NAF. Not only was he the first officer of NAF origin to become Chief of Air Staff, but also first to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal in Nigeria.

He played an active part during the Nigerian Civil War as Officer Commanding NAF flying wing and senior officer in charge of operations.

His other military service training includes:

<Advanced Flying Training (German Air Force) 1965. 

<Type Rating (5 NAF aircraft types), Kaduna 1965–1970

<Staff College, Royal Air Force, United Kingdom 1969–1970

<Type Rating (Fokker-27), the Netherlands 1974

<United States Industrial College of the Armed Forces 1974.

However, in other various capacities, his career progressed when he served in the following:

>Officer Commanding NAF Flying Wing, Kaduna 1965–1968

>Senior Air Officer Operations and Training, HQ NAF (1970)

>Commander, NAF Training Group, Kaduna (1971).

>Commander, Air Transport Group, Ikeja (1972–1974).

>Senior Air Officer Operations and Training, HQ NAF (1974–1975).

Between 1975 and 1979 Air Vice Marshal Yisa-Doko served as a member of the National Council of States, Supreme Military and National Security Councils.

As an Achiever in Nigeria, during his tenure as CAS, he initiated the establishment of primary schools in all major NAF formations, as well as training schools for all NAF primary trade specialties.

He also established the NAF operational bases at Makurdi and Kainji, the NAF Regiment, NAF Junior Command and Staff School and the Air Faculty at the Command and Staff College, Jaji.

He established the NAF Technical Training School Kaduna to service the technical training needs of the Service.

It was during his tenure that the current NAF rank structure was introduced. Before retiring, he initiated the proposal for the presentation of Service colours to the NAF.

After his retirement from service on 14 April 1980, he held many other appointments.

They include:

▪︎Chairman, Board of Governors National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies

▪︎Chairman, Board of Directors, Institute for International Affairs, Lagos

▪︎Chairman, Board of Directors, Drake and Scull Limited

▪︎Chairman, Board of Directors, Niger State Tourism Board

▪︎Chairman, Board of Directors, Intercity Bank

▪︎Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigeria Airways

He was awarded the following by the Federal Government

●Defence Services Medal

●National Service Medal

●Republic Medal

●Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)

●Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), 2011

The NAF on its part has honoured him with the following in recognition of his meritorious service to NAF and the country.

□Distinguished Flying Star

□Distinguished Service Medal

Until his death, he loved to compose music and play the piano. He was a lover of sports and played soccer at school, while flying in his spare time. He was married and blessed with children and grand children. 

He was turbaned the Madaki of Doko, and addressed as "Giwa", a title which made him a senior member of the Doko traditional council.

He died 3 of May, 2012, on a brief illness, after Air Force F7-Ni single seat fighter jet crashed, in a routine training exercise.

Rest In Peace Our ICON.

Regards

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