Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security in Abia State through strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, pledging to allocate additional land for the establishment of a Special Forces Training Centre at the proposed Abia Airport.
Governor Otti stated this, Tuesday when he received the Ground Training Commander of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Kehinde, who led a delegation on a visit to appreciate the State Government’s support and deepen existing security cooperation between the State and the Air Force.
The Governor thanked the Nigerian Air Force for approving the establishment of a base in Abia State and disclosed that the State Government will increase the land earlier allocated to the Air Force at the proposed airport site from 50 hectares to at least 100 hectares to support the planned Special Forces Training Centre.
He said: “We are going to work with the team to see how we can at a minimum increase the space to at least 100 hectares. You can take it for granted that you have at least 100 hectares of land in that place (Airport site).
Governor Otti further assured the delegation that the State Government would facilitate the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the land within 30 days.
Governor Otti disclosed that the ongoing office complex being built for the Nigerian Air Force in Umuahia would be completed before the end of April.
The Governor explained that the proposed airport project is in partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, with the State handling the runway while the Federal Government is responsible for the terminal building.
According to him, discussions are already ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure the timely completion of the project.
The Governor further stressed that security remains the most critical responsibility of government, noting that development efforts would amount to little without safety and stability.
Earlier, the Ground Training Commander of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Kehinde commended the Abia State Government for its proactive efforts in strengthening security and supporting the operations of the Nigerian Air Force.
According to him, intelligence and operational security reports across the South-East indicate that Abia stands out positively compared to other States in the region.
“Comparatively, Abia State is well ahead of other South-East states. Abia is standing out and I cannot but agree this does not happen accidentally. It must be a proactive effort”, he said.
Air Vice Marshall Adebayo also disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff is interested in expanding the Air Force presence in Abia State, particularly at the Airport site with the establishment of a Special Forces Training Centre for job training and jungle warfare.
He further revealed that the Chief of the Air Staff plans to visit Abia personally to appreciate the State Government’s efforts and assess facilities being developed by the State Government to support Air Force operations.
AVM Adebayo lauded the quality of ongoing projects inspected during the visit, including accommodation for airmen and officers as well as infrastructure at the airport site.
He added that the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force training facility in Abia would significantly enhance security across the state and the South-East region.
