A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Cyril EneOjo Akuh, has risen to the rank of Air Commodore in the Nigerian Air Force, in a rare career that has combined priesthood with military service.
Akuh, an indigene of Kogi State and an Igala, began his educational journey at Army Children’s School, Keffi, before attending St. Kizito Minor Seminary in Idah, Kogi State.
He was ordained a Catholic priest on July 10, 1999, and later became a military chaplain in the Nigerian Air Force.
Records from the Catholic Diocese of Idah show that his early posting with the Air Force was in Makurdi.
From there, he steadily advanced through the military ranks while continuing his priestly duties and providing pastoral care to Air Force personnel.
In 2025, Akuh served as the Director of Chaplaincy Services (Roman Catholic) at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.
His latest elevation to Air Commodore places him among the senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force and marks another milestone in his unusual career.
Akuh’s career reflects the distinctive role of military chaplains, who combine religious ministry with service within the Armed Forces.
His journey from a seminary in Idah to the senior ranks of the Nigerian Air Force has also made his achievement notable within the Catholic community and beyond.
For Akuh, the journey has been one of service on two fronts — ministering to the spiritual needs of the faithful while contributing to the Nigerian military establishment.
His rise is a striking example of how a calling to the priesthood can intersect with a commitment to national service.
