By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR, has commended the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, for his visionary leadership and strategic investment in national security following the official commissioning of the newly constructed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Administrative Complex in Umuahia.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister, Governor Otti, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
Speaking at the event, General Musa described the project as a practical demonstration of how state governments can meaningfully strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
“National security is a shared responsibility. While the Armed Forces are constitutionally mandated to defend the nation, achieving lasting peace and stability requires active collaboration among all tiers of government, security agencies, and citizens, *the Minister stated.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the security of the South-East region and noted that the facility represents a significant boost to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.
General Musa noted that the administrative complex is a critical investment in the effectiveness, operational planning, and readiness of the NAF.
He emphasized that modern military operations rely heavily on efficient administrative infrastructure to enhance coordination, improve personnel management, and support strategic decision-making.
The Minister also lauded the officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF for their dedication to defending Nigeria’s airspace and supporting joint operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and crude oil theft.
Addressing NAF personnel deployed to the state, the Minister gave a clear charge on 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.”
The Minister linked the commissioning to broader security efforts in the region, noting that it follows the 60th anniversary commemoration of the late Major General Aguiyi Ironsi* and the recently concluded maiden South East Security Summit.
Reassuring the region of actionable outcomes, General Musa pledged:
“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.”
In his address titled “Security is a Right”, Governor Otti said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to keeping Abia people safe. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for making it possible for the state to host a presence of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, appreciated the Governor for the gesture. He assured that the facility and all assets given to the Air Force would be judiciously used, adding that the presence of the Nigerian Armed Forces would enhance security coverage across the South-East.
