TACKLING INSECURITY: NAF Lays Foundation Stone for New Base in Ekiti State

Oru Leonard 

With the escalated terrorist attacks and other security challenges experienced in the Western part of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), recently held groundbreaking ceremony for a new base in Ekiti State, to further enhance its operational reach.

Speaking at the event on Thursday during the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, stated that the presence of a military base in the State will further strengthen the security needs of the people and ensure that the environment is secure.

He noted that the groundbreaking event is in fulfillment of their strategic vision of expanding security architecture and air military presence in the state.

He stated, “What we are witnessing today is a result of the several efforts of my predecessor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and support of the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

“It will be recalled that one of the reasons we opted for this airport which is situated on 4,072 hectares of land with capacity to land any aircraft including military is to secure our people and grow our economy. The decision to have an airport in our state is primarily for economic, security and tourism development.

“We understand that without aviation and security infrastructure, our ambition to grow our tourism infrastructure and prosperity agenda will remain a pipe dream.”

While appreciating the Chief of the Air Staff for his commitment to the actualization of the Air Force Operational Base in Ekiti State, he noted that his government will provide some logistics support during the take-off phase of the infrastructural development of the base.

“Our commitment to the Nigerian Air Force base is not in doubt, which is why we have donated and fenced 1,250 hectares of land for the operational base. We are convinced that this type of symbiotic relationship will accelerate development of our overall plan for the airport”, he said.

He appealed to the people of Ekiti and the immediate communities to be accommodating and supportive of the plans on ground, so as to bring rapid development to the area. He also enjoined them to be protective, cooperative and hospitable to the construction workers and the military personnel.

“For us as a government, we will continue to do everything possible to ensure the airport project is a success”, he said.

Speaking also, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao disclosed that part of the Force’s strategy to meeting the increasing demands of security challenges is to establish new Bases at strategic locations, which was the reason for the establishment of the Ekiti Base.

He said the new Nigerian Air Force Base in Ekiti will provide operational services to NAF platforms operating in the southwest geopolitical zone of the country, adding that it is heartwarming that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the acquisition of more platforms for the Nigerian Air Force.

“A few of these platforms were delivered to the Nigerian Air Force in December 2022, while others are to be delivered in the coming months and additional new Bases and hangar will be required for the seamless operations of some of the platforms in line with the principles of air dispersal and optimization.

“We appreciate the government and good people of Ekiti State for providing this airfield. Ekiti state is strategically located and we will also maximize its use in deploying some of our platforms for the security of not just Ekiti state but the whole country, he stated.

The NAF base sitting on 1,250 hectares of land, and located at Igbemo Community, adjoining Ekiti State Agro Allied Airport, is expected to provide operational services to NAF platforms operating in the southwest geopolitical zone of the country.

(Source: TSN)