Nigerian Air Force Officer David Sangokoya Receives 2023 International Sword of Honour at UK’s RAF College

Flying Officer Honoured by Prince William for Outstanding Performance at Royal Air Force College Cranwell

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer, Flying Officer David Sangokoya, has been awarded the prestigious International Sword of Honour for 2023 at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell (RAFCC) in the United Kingdom. The award, presented by Prince William on behalf of King Charles III, recognises Sangokoya as the top international cadet among his peers.

The Nigerian Air Force disclosed this in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Friday, titled, “NAF Officer Awarded 2023 International Sword of Honour At RAF College Cranwell UK.”

Flying Officer Sangokoya completed the Modularised Initial Officers’ Training (MIOT) Course 22, which ran from March to September 2023. His exceptional performance on the course earned him the honour of being named the Best International Cadet for the year.

“The RAFCC graduates up to eight courses yearly, and the International Sword of Honour goes to the most outstanding amongst the award-winning international cadets for the year,” the statement explained.

The prestigious award was handed to Sangokoya by Prince William at the Royal Graduation Ceremony held on September 12, 2024, at RAF College Cranwell.

Reacting to the achievement, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, congratulated Sangokoya, commending his focus, dedication, and hard work during the training. In his message, Air Marshal Abubakar also acknowledged the support of Sangokoya’s family, noting that their encouragement played a crucial role in his success.