*Air Force Chief: It’s about the first time a governor has done something of this magnitude
Boniface Okoro in Umuahia
The federal government has commended the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for constructing and handing over the first-ever Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the federal government.
The facility was formally handed over on Friday, July 31, 2026, to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), at a ceremony in Umuahia.
Otti said the gesture was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Abians and visitors.
“For us, the right to security for our people, whether they are residents or visitors, is non-negotiable,” the governor declared, describing the establishment of the Air Force presence as “a dream come true” that completes the deployment of all three arms of the nation’s armed forces in Abia.
“This completes the presence of the Nigerian Army’s Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia and the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerinta alongside the Air Force,” Otti said.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for supporting the establishment, assuring them of continued state support for the Force’s operations in the state.
“I formally welcome the Nigerian Air Force to Abia and assure you that, within the limits of our powers, we shall provide whatever is required to guarantee your success in safeguarding our dear state,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff described the project as a historic milestone that would strengthen security and socio-economic development in the South-East.
“This gesture transcends politics. 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.
“In my nine to ten months as Chief of Air Staff, this is about the first time a Governor has called me and handed over infrastructure of this magnitude. He has taken a huge burden off my shoulders,” Air Marshal Aneke said.
He assured the governor that personnel deployed to Abia would prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, commended Otti as “a leader whose actions speak louder than words.”
He charged Air Force personnel to uphold professionalism and contribute positively to the state’s development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, Rtd, said the complex was built to NAF specifications.
Facilities included an auditorium, conference hall, clinic, armoury, offices, canteen, guardroom, gatehouse and observatory post.