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Nigerian Air Force Paul Dike, born July 1, 1962, is a retired Nigerian Air Force officer who served with distinction and rose to become an Air Vice-Marshall before retirement. He was known for his professionalism, bravery, and dedication to duty throughout his career.
Early Life and Career
Paul Dike was born in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria, and grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. He attended primary and secondary schools in Enugu before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, for his tertiary education.
After his graduation from the academy, Dike was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a pilot officer. He underwent several training courses, both within and outside Nigeria, and was soon deployed to various parts of the country on military operations.
Military Records and Reputations
Paul Dike’s military career spanned over three decades, during which he held various positions and performed several assignments. Some of his records and reputations include:
| Position | Assignment | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Officer | Air Force training, Kaduna | N/A |
| Flight Lieutenant | Squadron Pilot, 97 Special Operations Group | Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) |
| Squadron Leader | Commanding Officer, 75 Strike Group | N/A |
| Wing Commander | Commander, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi | Member, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) |
| Group Captain | Commander, 81 Air Maritime Group, Benin | Meritorious Service Star (MSS) |
| Air Commodore | Director, Procurement, Defence Headquarters | Fellow, Defence College, UK |
| Air Vice-Marshall | Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Lagos | Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) |
Dike was known for his exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and courage under fire. He participated in several military operations, including the ECOMOG peacekeeping mission in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast of Nigeria.
Personal Life
Paul Dike is a family man and is happily married with children. He is a private person, and not much is known about his personal life outside of his military career.
Dike is known to be a car enthusiast, and he owns several luxury cars, including a Lamborghini, a Rolls-Royce, and a Mercedes-Benz. He also owns a multi-million naira mansion in Lagos, one of the most expensive cities in Nigeria.
Net Worth
According to Forbes Africa, Paul Dike’s net worth is estimated at over $10 million. This figure varies, depending on the currency used for conversion. As of August 2021, Dike’s net worth in various currencies are:
| Currency | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | $10 million |
| Nigerian Naira (NGN) | ₦4.1 billion |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | C$ 12.6 million |
| Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) | GH₵56.9 million |
| Kenyan Shilling (KES) | KSh 1.1 billion |
| South African Rand (ZAR) | R149 million |
| Ugandan Shilling (UGX) | UGX 37 billion |
| Indian Rupee (INR) | ₹7.4 billion |
Dike’s net worth is a testament to his successful military career and astute investment decisions.
Awards and Nominations
Paul Dike has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including:
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
- Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
- Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Fellow, Defence College, UK
He has also been nominated for other prestigious awards, including the Nigerian National Merit Award and the ECOMOG Peacekeeping Medal.
In conclusion, Nigerian Air Force Paul Dike is a military legend whose name will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian history. His dedication, courage, and professionalism have inspired many, and his legacy will continue to live on.
Click here to read more about his biography on Wikipedia.