ThBy Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for his administration’s significant investment in security infrastructure, including the construction of a modern office complex, residential accommodation, and the allocation of over 120 hectares of land for the establishment of a permanent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in the state.

Air Marshal Aneke described the gesture as a landmark contribution to national security and a strategic investment in the peace, stability, and economic future of Abia State and the wider South-East region.

The Air Chief made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at the Government House, Umuahia, following his participation in the maiden South-East Security Summit convened by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), and hosted by the Abia State Government.

Before outlining the purpose of his visit, the Air Marshal praised Governor Otti’s leadership style, describing him as a visionary leader whose developmental strides have transformed the image and reality of Abia State.

According to him, the progress witnessed across the state reflects purposeful governance and a clear commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

He noted that the Abia State he encountered during his visit was markedly different from the one many Nigerians previously knew, citing visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, road networks, and economic development.

The Air Chief said the Nigerian Air Force had taken note of the governor’s extensive investments in infrastructure and public service delivery, adding that such projects speak for themselves through their impact on the lives of residents and businesses.

He further stated that Governor Otti’s decision to provide critical infrastructure for the Nigerian Air Force demonstrates a deep understanding of the relationship between security and economic development.

According to him, no meaningful development can be sustained without a secure environment, and the governor’s support for the establishment of a permanent Air Force presence in the state reflects strategic foresight and leadership.

Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force for the construction and donation of a modern office complex and residential facilities for personnel, as well as the allocation of a vast expanse of land for future expansion and operational activities.

He described the gesture as unprecedented, noting that while security agencies often face challenges in acquiring land for operational purposes, the Abia State Government had gone a step further by voluntarily providing the resources required for the Air Force to establish a strong operational footprint in the state.

The CAS emphasized that the facilities would significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force in the South-East by improving response times to security threats, strengthening intelligence and surveillance operations, and supporting efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities.

He added that the investment would also improve the welfare of Air Force personnel by providing quality accommodation and a conducive working environment, enabling them to focus fully on their duties and responsibilities.

Air Marshal Aneke further lauded Governor Otti’s strategic vision, describing him as a leader with the foresight to anticipate future security and developmental needs and take proactive measures to address them.

He noted that the governor’s commitment to security demonstrates an understanding that long-term prosperity depends on sustained investments in peace and stability.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the Chief of the Air Staff for approving the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force base in Abia State and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating within the state.

The governor stressed that security remains one of the highest priorities of his administration, noting that no meaningful economic growth, investment, or social development can occur in an atmosphere of insecurity.

He stated that the state government considers support for security institutions as an investment rather than an expense, arguing that the cost of insecurity far outweighs the resources required to maintain peace and stability.

Governor Otti disclosed that the facilities would be formally handed over to the Nigerian Air Force the following day and expressed appreciation for the planned deployment of Air Force personnel to the state.

He assured the Air Force leadership of the continued support of the Abia State Government, pledging to provide the enabling environment and resources necessary for the successful takeoff and operation of the new base.

The governor was joined at the meeting by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, and the Special Adviser on Security, Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), while Air Marshal Aneke was accompanied by senior officers and members of his delegation.

The visit underscored the growing partnership between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Air Force in advancing security, stability, and sustainable development across the state and the South-East region.