By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced its Civil–Military Relations efforts with the commissioning of a newly constructed block of classrooms and staff offices at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was also conferred with the traditional title “UFAN EDEMAYA,” meaning Friend of the People of Edemaya, in recognition of the Service’s developmental interventions in the community.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative, comprises a fully furnished block of three classrooms, a principal’s office and staff rooms. It was facilitated in honour of retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff at the commissioning ceremony held on Friday, Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as part of the NAF’s non-kinetic line of operations aimed at strengthening trust between the military and civil population.
He explained that the Special Intervention Project was designed to honour distinguished retired senior officers by supporting development in their home communities, noting that ten similar projects have been commissioned nationwide.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the CAS commended Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (Rtd) for selecting a project that directly impacts education. He expressed confidence that the facility would enhance learning in the area and urged beneficiaries to maintain it properly.
The CAS also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information and encouraged youths in Edemaya and Akwa Ibom State to take advantage of career opportunities in the Armed Forces.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for the honour, describing the project as evidence of the Service’s recognition of his contributions during his 40-year military career which began in 1985. He noted that the classroom block marks the beginning of development at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College and appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to consider taking over and expanding the institution.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to grassroots development, noting that the project aligns with the state government’s education agenda.
Community leaders and residents also expressed appreciation and presented the Chief of the Air Staff with a staff of honour as a symbol of friendship and partnership. The event underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to nation-building through community-focused initiatives.
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