Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Friday formally transferred the newly completed Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the Federal Government. The handover was conducted through the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), during a ceremony held in the Abia State capital.
Addressing attendees, Otti reaffirmed that safeguarding lives and property is a basic right of everyone living in the state. He noted that the project reflects the value of effective cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments in promoting a common security objective.
The governor stated, “The facility demonstrates my administration’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in protecting Abians and visitors alike from all forms of security threats.”
“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable,” Otti added.
Otti also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for supporting the establishment of an Air Force presence in Abia State. He pledged that his administration would continue to provide the support required for the force to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, praised the governor for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to national security. He said the permanent presence of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia State marks “a historic milestone that would significantly strengthen security, expand operational capacity and stimulate socio-economic development across the South-East.”
“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.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), applauded Otti for consistently prioritising security through strategic investments, describing him as a leader whose actions reflect his commitment.
He congratulated the Abia State Government and its people on the initiative, emphasising that ensuring national security is a collective responsibility involving governments, security agencies, communities and citizens.
The minister also urged Nigerian Air Force officers and personnel posted to Abia State to maintain professionalism and make meaningful contributions to the state’s growth.
“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.
Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (retd.), described security as the foundation for sustainable development. He explained that the construction and eventual handover of the Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia was driven by Governor Otti’s strategic plan to reinforce Abia State’s security framework.
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