UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE — The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has lauded Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for constructing a modern Nigerian Air Force (NAF) office complex, residential accommodation for personnel, and allocating over 120 hectares of land for the establishment of a permanent Air Force base in the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at the Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after participating in the maiden South-East Security Summit hosted by the Abia State Government, Air Marshal Aneke described the Governor’s gesture as a strategic investment that would enhance peace, security, and economic growth across Abia and the South-East region.

Before addressing the purpose of his visit, the Air Force Chief praised Governor Otti’s leadership, noting that the remarkable transformation taking place across Abia had exceeded expectations and fundamentally changed the State’s image.

According to him, the visible improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development demonstrate a government committed to delivering tangible results for its people.

“The Abia State we used to know and read about is no longer the same. As we drove through the city today, we saw your strong leadership at work. Your investment in infrastructure speaks for itself. You are building roads, improving hospitals, creating jobs and moving Abia State forward. As a son of this region, I am proud of what you are doing,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.

The Air Force Chief further said Governor Otti’s decision to provide infrastructure for the Nigerian Air Force reflects a clear understanding that sustainable development can only thrive in a secure environment.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor and the people of Abia for donating a new office complex, modern residential quarters, and land for the permanent Air Force base, describing the gesture as unprecedented.

Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that the facilities would significantly improve the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force by reducing response time to security threats, strengthening the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities, while also improving the welfare of personnel deployed to the State.

He added that Governor Otti had demonstrated uncommon strategic foresight by investing state resources in security infrastructure, noting that many leaders fail to appreciate the long-term value of such investments.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said the Governor’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security architecture in Abia reflects his administration’s resolve to create a peaceful environment where businesses can thrive, investments can flourish, and residents can live without fear.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the Chief of the Air Staff for approving the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force base in Abia State, assuring him that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the initiative.

The Governor reaffirmed that security remains the foundation of every meaningful development agenda, stressing that no society can experience sustainable progress without guaranteeing the safety of lives and property.

“Security occupies the highest cadre in all our priorities because if you don’t secure your place, you cannot talk about development. The least we can do is provide you with the enabling environment and resources required to take off, and we will continue to do so,” Governor Otti said.

He further noted that while maintaining security may require significant investment, the cost of insecurity is far greater.

Governor Otti disclosed that the newly completed facilities would be formally handed over to the Nigerian Air Force, expressing appreciation to the Air Force leadership for already approving the deployment of personnel to the State.

The Governor was joined during the meeting by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, and the Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), while Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke led a high-powered delegation of senior Nigerian Air Force officers.

Source: Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.