Military presence has increased in Abia State following the formal unveiling of the Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia, which was built and donated by Governor Alex Otti.
While handing over the multi-million Naira facility to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, in the presence of Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, Governor Otti reiterated that the security of lives and property remains should be a fundamental right of all residents of the State.
Additionally, the governor announced allocation of 120 hectares of land at the Abia Airport under construction at Nsulu for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Air Force Base, indicating that work on the Base will commence immediately on completion of the Airport Runway, even as residential accommodation has been secured for the Air Force personnel in different parts of Umuahia.
He described the handover as a testament to the benefits of strong collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in advancing a shared security agenda, and that the completion and handover of the facility demonstrates his administration’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in protecting Abians and visitors alike from all forms of security threats.
“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable, emphasizing that it’s takeoff, which he said is “a dream come true,” has completed the presence of the nation’s armed forces in Abia alongside the Nigerian Army’s Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia and the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerinta,” he stated.
While welcoming the Nigerian Air Force to Abia and assuring that his administration shall give it support within its capacity, the governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for approving the Air Force presence in the State.
The governor said his administration intends to partner with the Nigerian Air Force in education and human capital development, emphasizing that the
Indicating that the State’s relationship with the Air Force would extend beyond military collaboration to initiatives that would benefit the its younger population, governor Otti maintained that security remains the foundation upon which sustainable development is built, just as government’s investments in infrastructure, human capital development and economic opportunities are deliberate strategies to reduce crime and stimulate prosperity.
Expressing gratitude to the State, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke described the gesture as an unprecedented investment in national security that transcends politics.
” It goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It is a defining contribution to national defence and stability and a trailblazing legacy that will bear your name in the annals of Nigeria’s security architecture,” the Air Force Chief said.
“Indeed, these facilities will serve as a robust foundation for NAF operations in Abia, enabling us to discharge our constitutional mandates with greater efficiency and effectiveness,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.
“Our officers and personnel deployed to Abia have been adequately briefed to prioritise the safety and welfare of the people, and assured that the Nigerian Air Force would give serious consideration to Governor Otti’s request for the establishment of a military training institution in the State.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), commended Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security through strategic investments, adding: “He a leader whose actions speak louder than words.”
He tasked the Air Force personnel deployed to Abia to make the State a better place.
“We don’t want to hear issues arising because of your presence, even as good things are already happening,” he said.
A resident, Mr. Ken Kalu, tasked the Air Force to do the needful that would address insecurity, protect the residents, and not maltreat them, stating that their so would justify what the state has invested in the Force.
- Media Report