The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deepened its Civil–Military Relations efforts with the commissioning of a newly constructed block of classrooms and staff offices at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The event also witnessed the conferment of a traditional title, “Ufan Edemaya,” meaning Friend of the People of Edemaya, on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in recognition of the service’s sustained developmental interventions in host communities.
In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the honour was bestowed during the commissioning ceremony held on Friday, 20 February 2026, reflecting the growing partnership between the NAF and communities across the country.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative, comprises a fully furnished block of three classrooms, a principal’s office and staff rooms. It was undertaken in honour of retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.
Representing the CAS at the ceremony, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as a critical component of the NAF’s non-kinetic operations.
He noted that such initiatives were essential in building trust, winning hearts and minds, and strengthening collaboration between the military and civilian populations.
According to him, the Special Intervention Project was designed to honour distinguished retired senior officers while contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities.
Gabkwet disclosed that about ten similar projects had so far been commissioned nationwide and had received commendation from beneficiaries, adding that the initiative also sustains the bond between retired personnel and their roots.
In his remarks conveyed through his representative, the Chief of the Air Staff commended Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (retd) for selecting a project that would impact the education sector.
He expressed confidence that the new facilities would improve learning outcomes and urged students, teachers and community members to maintain the infrastructure.
The CAS also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information and to promote peaceful coexistence, while encouraging youths to take advantage of career opportunities in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Earlier, the facilitator of the project, Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (retd), expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for honouring him and his community.
He described the project as a symbol of the Service’s recognition of his contributions to national and continental security during his 40-year military career.
Etukudo explained that the classroom block marked the beginning of development at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College, established to provide educational opportunities for students unable to secure admission into government secondary schools due to limited facilities.
He also appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to consider taking over and expanding the college to meet growing educational demands.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to grassroots development.
He noted that the intervention aligned with the administration’s agenda of improving learning standards through modern infrastructure.
Community leaders and residents expressed appreciation to the NAF and presented the CAS with a staff of honour as a symbol of partnership and friendship.
The ceremony, according to the statement, highlighted the NAF’s commitment not only to national security but also to nation-building through impactful community engagement.
