Abia Governor Otti formally transfers NAF facility to federal authorities

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Friday officially handed over the newly built Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the Federal Government through the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), at a ceremony in Umuahia.

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Speaking at the event, Otti said the security of lives and property remains a fundamental right of every resident in the state and described the handover as a testament to the benefits of strong collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in advancing a shared security agenda.

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According to the governor, “The facility demonstrates my administration’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in protecting Abians and visitors alike from all forms of security threats.”

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“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable,” Otti added.

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Otti expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for supporting the establishment of an Air Force presence in the state and assured them that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support for the force to succeed in its operations.

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Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, expressed appreciation to Otti for what he described as an unprecedented investment in national security. He described the establishment of a permanent Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia State as “a historic milestone that would significantly strengthen security, expand operational capacity and stimulate socio-economic development across the South-East.”

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“This gesture transcends politics. It goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It is a defining contribution to national defence and stability and a trailblazing legacy that will bear your name in the annals of Nigeria’s security architecture,” the air chief said.

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In his address, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to strengthening security through strategic investments, describing him as a leader whose actions speak louder than words.

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He congratulated the government and people of Abia State on the initiative, stressing that national security is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of governments, security agencies, communities and citizens.

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He charged officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who would be deployed to Abia State to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and contribute positively to the state’s development.

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“I want to charge the Nigerian Air Force that your personnel coming here should make Abia State a better place. We don’t want to hear issues arising because of your presence. Already, good things are happening; make it better,” he said.

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Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (retd.), described security as the bedrock of sustainable development. He explained that the construction and handover of the Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia stemmed from the governor’s strategic vision to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

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