Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar has reiterated the commitment to secure lives and vital national assets in Akwa Ibom and the country at large.
Air Marshal Abubakar also appreciated Governor Umo Eno for donating land for a new Nigerian Air Force Base and other security logistics to the Force.
The CAS gave the assurance at the Government House, in Uyo, the State capital, when he led other top military delegation on a courtesy call on Governor Eno, on Thursday.
He commended the governor for his continuous support to national security initiatives and for his proactive vision in promoting infrastructure development and investment in the state.
“Permit me to, on behalf of the entire NAF family, appreciate you for the gracious donation of land for the establishment of Barracks accommodation for a Forward Operational Base (FOB) at an accessible distance from the Eket Airstrip.
“This would not only fast-track the setting up of the necessary facilities for this strategic process, but would add great value for both national defense and homeland security in support of other forms of civil commercial enterprise.
“The FOB, when established, would provide further assurance of safety and security of persons and property, thereby fostering the entrenchment of Akwa Ibom State as a very good investment and tourism destination.
“I am particularly grateful for the strategic collaboration between Akwa Ibom State and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), especially in providing the enabling support for the momentous transfer of the Eket Airstrip to the NAF.
“This significant step demonstrates your commitment towards the strengthening of security within the State for several reasons,” the Air Chief said.
He said the transfer of the Airstrip to NAF would help to extend air power for national security, protection of territorial integrity as well as support the drive to promote a thriving blue economy.
Air Marshal Abubakar added that NAF would be better positioned to protect critical national assets around the Akwa Ibom State shoreline when they become fully operational.
He identified such assets to include the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Plant, the Ibom Deep Sea Port and the BUA Refinery, saying they hold immense national and economic value and would greatly benefit from the enhanced security presence of the NAF at Eket.
However, Governor Eno, while presenting the land documents to the CAS, expressed the commitment of the state government to sustaining the peace and security, hoping that the Air Force Base would be of great value in protecting the state and national boundaries.
He further expressed his administration’s continued partnership with all security agencies and urged the Force to continue with its good works in the State and the county generally.
“We thank you for the Air Force base that is going to be strategically located in Akwa Ibom State. Before now, apart from the school and the presence at the airport, the Air Force was the only arm of security that was not really on ground in Akwa Ibom State.
“But with this establishment of Forward Base Operations, we believe that the Air Force is now fully integrated into our security architecture as a State and we welcome you.
“We hope and trust that you will continue to work to protect our international boundaries knowing that Akwa Ibom is a littoral State, especially to help with our air operations to ensure that we continue to maintain security in the land,” Governor Eno said.
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