A’IBOM TO GET AIR FORCE OPERATIONS BASE

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has lauded officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force for the giant strides in territorial surveillance and dexterity in whittling the activities of insurgents in the North East of the country.
Governor Emmanuel made the commendation while exchanging views with the Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubarkar, who called on him at the Government House, Uyo.
He particularly lauded the Nigerian Air Force for the gallantry and strategic operations to curb the excesses of the insurgents and oil pipeline vandals in the South-South as well as their performances at various peace keeping operations.
He acknowledged that Nigeria is blessed with skilled manpower in the medical, military, Engineering and Academia who have made their mark in the global family and used the occasion to congratulate Air Marshal Abubarkar on his elevation as the Chief of Air staff.
The State Chief Executive made a case for the establishment of a Command of the Air Force in Akwa Ibom citing the strategic location of the state in the Gulf of Guinea and the availability of an International Airport to boost their operations as added advantage to establish the command in the state and called on Nigerians to close ranks and exploit their potentials to maximise the economic growth of the country.
Earlier, the Nigerian Air Force boss Air Marshal Sadique Abubarkar, said his visit to Akwa Ibom was to inspect facilities at the Air Force Secondary School in the state with a view to partner the state government in its development.
He announced plans to establish a forward Operations base in the state and congratulated Governor Emmanuel for the expansion work at Ibom International Airport and other infrastructures in the state saying that the peaceful ambience would promote industrialization programme of the present administration.
On hand to receive the Chief of Air Staff were Secretary to the State Government, Sir Ettekamba Umoren, Director General Divine Mandate, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem and Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal, Mr Enoobong Uwah.