By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced its civil military relations drive with the commissioning of a newly built classroom block and staff offices at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The development coincided with the conferment of the traditional title “Ufan Edemaya” meaning Friend of the People of Edemaya on the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in recognition of the Service’s sustained developmental contributions to the community. The honour was bestowed during the commissioning ceremony highlighting the growing partnership between the Air Force and host communities nationwide.
In a statement issued by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the project was executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative.
The facility comprises a fully furnished block of three classrooms, a principal’s office and staff rooms, and was undertaken in honour of retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo, an indigene of the state.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff at the ceremony, the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as part of the NAF’s non-kinetic operations aimed at building public trust and strengthening cooperation with civilian populations.
He explained that the Special Intervention Project scheme was designed to honour distinguished retired senior officers by supporting development in their home communities, noting that ten similar projects have already been delivered across the country.
According to him, the initiative helps sustain the bond between retired officers and their communities while reinforcing the Air Force’s broader mandate of protecting national security and supporting socio-economic growth.
In remarks conveyed through his representative, the Air Chief commended Etukudo for selecting an education-focused project and expressed optimism that the new facilities would improve teaching and learning in the area.
He urged students, staff and residents to safeguard the infrastructure and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance national safety. Youths in the community were also encouraged to explore career opportunities within the Armed Forces.
Speaking earlier, Etukudo expressed appreciation to the Air Force for honouring him and his community, describing the project as evidence of the Service’s recognition of his four decades of military service, which began in 1985.
He noted that the classroom block marks the first major infrastructure at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College, established by the community to cater for students unable to secure admission into public secondary schools due to limited capacity.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the Air Force for its grassroots development efforts, noting that the project aligns with the state administration’s education and infrastructure agenda.
Community leaders and residents also expressed gratitude to the Service, presenting the Chief of the Air Staff with a staff of honour as a symbol of friendship and partnership. The ceremony underscored the Air Force’s continued commitment not only to operational duties but also to nation-building through strategic community engagement.
