Alex Badeh (1957-2018): The Man Who Flew Two Former US Presidents

Alex Badeh (1957-2018): The Man Who Flew Two Former US Presidents And Received A Recognition From Koffi Anan

Alex
Sabundu Badeh, born January 10, 1957, was a retired four star flag
officer of the Nigerian Air force who served as the 18th Chief of Air
Staff (October 4, 2012 – January 16, 2014).

He was the 15th Chief of Defence Staff of the armed forces of Nigeria (January 16, 2014 to July 13, 2015).

Badeh was born in Vimtim, Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, North East Nigeria into a family of peasant farmers.

He
attended Vimtim Primary School, Vimtim and went on to obtain his school
certificate from Villanova Secondary School in 1976 before proceeding
to the Nigerian Defence Academy

Alex Badeh was admitted into the
Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 21 Regular Course on 3
January 1977, and was commissioned Pilot Officer on 3 July 1979. He
commenced his flying career at the 301 Flying Training School on the
Bulldog Primary Trainer aircraft in 1979.

He holds an M.Sc. degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.

Air Marshal Badeh was promoted Air Vice Marshal on 3 January 2008.

Badeh
was Commander of the Presidential Fleet, during the Olusegun Obasanjo’s
presidency. The Presidential Fleet Crew flew around the world
frequently and by 2002, Badeh logged over 6000 flying hours shuttling
VIPs, dignitaries, top government officials and Heads of State.

He
was given the green light to fly former United States Presidents Bill
Clinton and Jimmy Carter on different occasions after extensive check
was done by the United States Secret Service.

Badeh’s
professional dexterity on duty earned him commendation and an
autographed pen from Koffi Anan and the then UN Secretary after flying
him to an official trip.