By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is ready to build a base in Abia.
Abubakar made this known on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He said that the decision to institute the presence of NAF in Abia was informed by the need to boost security in the state and the South-East Geopolitical Zone.
Abubakar said that he was in Abia to engage in meaningful dialogue with the state government and explore opportunities for partnership between NAF and Abia State.
He appealed to the state government for a parcel of land to facilitate the placement of NAF’s facilities.
According to him, this will enable the Force’s presence to provide effective and decisive kinetic response to threats, enhance national security and contribute to security in Abia and environs.
“I want to appreciate your foresight in requesting for the presence of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia.
“This will not only boost security of the entire state, but would provide invaluable support in emergency response, disaster management and community development initiatives.
“We’ll take advantage of the opportunity to further extend our reach in the employment of airpower response, especially in Abia, and by extension, the South-East region,” he said.
Abubakar commended the governor for his visionary leadership style and judicious management of public resources, and the focus on improving the living standards of the people.
He also commiserated with the government on the unfortunate incident which led to the loss of five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction in Aba.
Abubakar advocated for effective implementation of measures that would facilitate improvement of civil-military relations, for better socio-economic growth.
Responding, Otti described the approval for the establishment of an Air Force Base in Abia as a welcome development, and promised that the government would provide land for NAF operations.
He said that a temporary site would be provided in Umuahia to serve as its take off location in addition to an operational vehicle, a residence and other logistics.
Otti expressed confidence that the establishment of an Air Force Base in Abia would further complement government’s efforts to enhance security of lives and property in the state.
According to him, the relative peace experienced in the state is an outcome of the efforts of the government and security agencies.
He said that security had remained a top priority and Abia Government would support the Nigerian Air Force to perform optimally in the state.
Otti described the visit as timely, especially with the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of an Airstrip in the state.
(NAN)
