Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and Akwa-Ibom, Umo Eno during a courtesy visit to the governor's office in Uyo
By ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo –
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar has said the transfer of the abandoned airstrip in Eket, Akwa Ibom State which was previously under the operation of Mobil Producing Nigeria will boost air power for national security.
Abubakar, who stated this when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Umo Eno in his office in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, said it will also ensure the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as support the drive to promote a thriving blue economy of the state
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would be better positioned to protect critical national assets around the Akwa Ibom State shoreline when they become fully operational.
“Some of these assets include the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Plant, the Ibom Deep Sea Port and the BUA Refinery. These assets, which hold immense national and economic value, would greatly benefit from the enhanced security presence of the NAF at Eket. Akwa Ibom State, would reap the dividends of this improved strategic posture,” he said.
He thanked Governor Eno, who had earlier announced the donation of a parcel of land for the establishment of barracks accommodation for the Forward Operational Base of the Nigerian Air Force 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.”
Receiving the Chief Of Air Staff in his office, Governor Eno expressed his commitment towards sustaining the high level of security in the state hoping that the Air Force base will be of great value in protecting the State’s and national boundaries.
He said the State will continue to partner with all the security agencies including NAF, and urged the force to continue with its good works in the State and 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 the 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.
The governor, who lauded the Chief of Air Staff for the academic standard at the Air Force School, requested for some concessions to enable the school accommodate more Akwa Ibom children and also used the opportunity to present the land documents to the Chief Of Air Staff.
