John Nmadu Yisa-Doko

John Nmadu Yisa-Doko was the first Nigerian Air Force's Chief of the Air Staff from 1975 to 1980 who joined as a NAF cadet. He was among the first batch of pilots recruited to serve in the newly formed Nigerian Air Force, and was sent to Ethiopia for training as a pilot. He was given command over the first air platoon formed, 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 the first officer of NAF origin to become Chief of the 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. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force Academy, which trains future officers for the NAF. He retired from the NAF in 1980 and was honoured with the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) awards. He was also turbaned the Madakin of Doko, and addressed as "Giwa", a title which made him a senior member of the Doko traditional council. He died in 2012 at the age of 70 and was buried in his hometown of Doko.