NAF Chief visits Enugu, reaffirms commitment to security, capacity building

By Philip Nwosu

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening operational readiness, personnel welfare and civil-military cooperation during a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC) and other units located in Enugu State.

The visit, which commenced thursday, formed part of the Air Force’s strategic drive to align its training institutions with evolving national security demands while deepening partnerships with critical stakeholders at the subnational level.

A major highlight of the tour was a courtesy visit by the CAS to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barrister (Dr) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Government House, Enugu. The high-level engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the Enugu State Government toward promoting security, infrastructure development and socio-economic progress.

Air Marshal Aneke commended Governor Mbah for the sustained support provided to NAF personnel and formations in the state, particularly in the areas of accommodation, utilities and general welfare.

He described the partnership between the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Air Force as a model of effective civil-military cooperation.

“Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results. I deeply appreciate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to strengthening our capacity to protect lives and critical assets,” the CAS stated.

Air Marshal Aneke further outlined the Nigerian Air Force’s long-term sustainability vision, which he said places strong emphasis on personnel welfare, housing development and economic empowerment initiatives.

According to him, collaborative projects in resettlement housing and agro-allied ventures would not only enhance the wellbeing of personnel but also contribute positively to economic activities within Enugu State.

He reaffirmed that the NAF would continue to work closely with other security agencies through intelligence-driven operations to sustain peace and stability in Enugu and the wider South-East region.

Responding, Governor Mbah assured the CAS of the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

He confirmed the readiness of his administration to provide land for the development of resettlement homes for Air Force personnel as well as for the establishment of NAF Farms and agro-allied services.

The governor emphasized that security and development are inseparable priorities, adding that the professionalism of NAF personnel has played a stabilizing role in the state.

Later at the Ground Training Command, Air Marshal Aneke received a comprehensive operational brief from the Air Officer Commanding GTC, Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde.

The briefing provided updates on ongoing training reforms, infrastructure upgrades and personnel development programmes aimed at enhancing the Command’s capacity to deliver high-quality technical and professional training.

The CAS was informed of the Command’s critical role in producing the skilled manpower required to support Nigerian Air Force missions across the country.

Commending the leadership of the Command for its efforts, Air Marshal Aneke stressed the need for continuous innovation in training methods to meet contemporary operational realities.

He subsequently inspected training facilities and key operational assets within the Command and other located units, reiterating that effective airpower is anchored on a robust ground training ecosystem.

“Modern airpower effectiveness depends on technical excellence, discipline and mission reliability. Our investment in training remains central to building a capable, responsive and future-ready Air Force,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded at the Command, the CAS assured officers and men of sustained institutional support to further enhance training standards and operational efficiency.

The visit underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s renewed focus on capacity building, personnel welfare and strategic partnerships as essential pillars in the ongoing effort to secure Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promote national development.