Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR, has commended the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, for his visionary leadership and strategic investment in national security following the official commissioning of the newly constructed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia. This was contained in a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, SA (Media), to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony alongside Governor Otti and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, General Musa while he described the project as a practical demonstration of how state governments can meaningfully strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture, reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to the security of the South-East region of the country.
“National security is a shared responsibility. While the Armed Forces are constitutionally mandated to defend the nation, achieving lasting peace and stability requires active collaboration among all tiers of government, security agencies, and citizens, the Minister said.
He added that the facility is an important investment in the effectiveness, operational planning, and readiness of the Nigerian Air Force. He emphasized that modern military operations rely heavily on efficient administrative facilities to enhance coordination, improve personnel management, and support strategic decision-making. He lauded the officers, airmen, and airwomen of the NAF for their dedication to defending Nigeria’s airspace and supporting joint operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and crude oil theft.
Addressing the Air Force personnel deployed to the state, the Minister gave a clear charge regarding conduct and civil-military relations:
“I want to charge the Air Force personnel coming here to make Abia State a better place. We do not want to hear that you are causing problems for the civilian population. Abia is good—make it better, and ensure your presence brings peace and safety to the people.”
The Minister also linked the commissioning to broader security initiatives in the region, noting that it follows the landmark 60th anniversary commemoration of the late Major General Aguiyi Ironsi and the recently concluded maiden South East Security Summit.
Reassuring the region of actionable outcomes, General Musa pledged that the security deliberations would yield tangible results. “What we are promising is that the South East Security Summit will not be just a talk show. Whatever was agreed upon will be fully implemented to guarantee long-term peace and economic prosperity.”
Governor Otti in a speech titled “Security is a right” attributed the commitment to the project as his administration’s desire to keep the people of Abia safe and thanked President Bola Tinubu GCFR for making it possible for the state to have a presence of the Air force on its soil.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke while appreciating the governor for the gesture assured judicious use of the facility and all assets given to the Air Force, adding that the region will be more covered with the presence of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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