Air Vice Marshal Osita Chukwunedu Obierika was born on 20 September 1952 at Enugu.  He hails from Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.  He attended St Bartholomew’s Primary School and National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu. AVM Obierika joined the Nigerian Air Force as a potential pilot on 2 January 1973.  He had his basic military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned pilot officer on 21 June 1975.

PROMOTION LADDER

Pilot officer OC Obierika was promoted to the rank of Flying officer in January 1977. He rose to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in January 1981 and became a Squadron Leader, 4 years latter, in June 1985.  He attained the rank of Wing Commander in January 1991 and was elevated to the rank Group Captain in January 1996.  He became an Air Commodore in January 2001 and was promoted to his present rank, Air Vice Marshal, on 22 Apr 2004.

COURSES ATTENDED

AVM OC Obierika has attended several courses, both at home and overseas in the course of his career. Some of the courses include; Primary Flying Training at 301 Flying Training School and Basic Flying training on Jet at NO1 Flying Training School, Royal Air Force, Liaton, UK. He also attended Basic transport Flying Course and advanced tactical flying training on DO 128-6 aircraft in Kaduna and Germany respectively.  Other Courses the senior officer attended flying Instructors course at the Central Flying School, Royal Air Force, Cranwell and leeming in the UK, Junior and Senior Command and Staff Course at the Command and Staff College Jaji-Kaduna, Aviation management course at Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria and Defence Resources Management Course at the Command and staff College, Accra Ghana.  He also attended the National War College Course at Abuja.

APPOINTMENTS HELD

AVM OC Obierika has held several appointments in the course of his career. Some of them include; Chief Flying Instructor at 301 Flying training School, Kaduna. Staff Officer operations and Training at Headquarters, Training Command. He was a Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College Jaji-Kaduna, Assistant and Director of Training at the Defence Headquarters. Furthermore, he was the Group Captain Operation at Headquarter, Tactical Air Command and the Director of works at Headquarter Nigerian Air Force. He once served as the Director of Electronic warfare and frequency management at the Defence Headquarters.  He was a Directing Staff at the National War College Abuja and latter became the Director of National and Military Strategy in the same institution.  AVM Obierika was a Defence Attaché at the Nigerian Embassy in France.  He was formerly the Air Officer Inspection at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force and presently the Air Officer Commanding, Training Command.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

AVM OC Obierika has made indelible contributions to the Nigerian Air Force in the area of flying training.  He has attended several conferences and workshops and has written several artictes on aviation.  In recognition of his contributions, AVM Obierika has been honoured with the following awards: Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star. He holds a Pass Staff Course (Dagger) award.  He is also a fellow of the National War College.

FAMILY DATA/HOBBIES

AVM OC Obierika is married and is blessed with 4 children.  He enjoys playing Golf and Tennis.