The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for constructing and donating a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia, describing the gesture as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The commendation came during the official commissioning of the facility on Saturday, where the Minister was joined by Governor Otti and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
General Musa described the project as a practical demonstration of how state governments can complement the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national security. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing security across the South-East and emphasized that lasting peace requires collaboration among all levels of government, security agencies, and citizens.
According to the Minister, the new administrative complex will improve the Nigerian Air Force’s operational planning, coordination, personnel management, and overall readiness, noting that efficient administrative infrastructure is critical to modern military operations.
He also praised officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force for their dedication in protecting Nigeria’s airspace and supporting joint military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and crude oil theft.
Addressing Air Force personnel posted to Abia State, General Musa urged them to maintain professionalism and foster positive 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,” he said.
The Defence Minister linked the commissioning to ongoing efforts to improve security in the South-East, referencing the recent 60th anniversary commemoration of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, as well as the maiden South-East Security Summit.
He assured stakeholders that resolutions reached during the summit would be implemented, stressing that the initiative would deliver tangible improvements in security and economic development across the region.
“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,” the Minister stated.
Governor Alex Otti, in his address titled “Security is a Right,” said the construction of the NAF Administrative Complex reflects his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Abia State. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force presence in the state.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, thanked the Abia State Government for the facility and pledged that the Nigerian Air Force would make judicious use of the infrastructure and other assets provided. He assured residents that the enhanced military presence would strengthen security coverage across the South-East.
