Governor Alex Otti Approves 100 Hectares For Nigerian Air Force Training Base, Hails Move To Strengthen Security In Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has thanked the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for approving the establishment of an Air Force base and special training centre in the state, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening security in Abia and the South-East region.
Governor Otti made this known when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command led by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia.

During the meeting, the Governor approved 100 hectares of land within the Abia Airport Project Site for the Nigerian Air Force to establish its training base, in response to the Air Force’s request for an expansion of the earlier 50 hectares allocated for the project.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that the state government would work closely with the Air Force to ensure the success of the project and deepen the existing security partnership.
“We are going to work with the team to see how we can at the minimum increase the space to at least 100 hectares. You can take it for granted that you have at least 100 hectares of land in that place,” the Governor said.

He further assured the delegation that the state government would facilitate the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) within 30 days, noting that the process has been streamlined to encourage development and investment in the state.
Governor Otti also disclosed that the Administrative Office Complex being constructed for the Nigerian Air Force in Umuahia would be completed before the end of April, adding that the government would ensure the contractor delivers the project on schedule ahead of a planned visit by the Chief of Air Staff.
Speaking on the Abia Airport project, the Governor explained that the airport is a joint partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, with the state responsible for constructing the runway and perimeter fencing, while the Federal Government will handle the terminal building.
“We expect the runway to be ready very soon, and once the runway is operational, other components of the airport can follow gradually,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure timely completion of the project.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, commended Governor Otti for his administration’s proactive approach to security and support for the military.
He noted that intelligence and security reports across the South-East indicate that Abia State is currently ahead of other states in the region in terms of security stability.
“As the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command in Enugu, I receive daily security reports across the South-East states. Comparatively, Abia State is well ahead of other South-East states.
“Abia is standing out and I cannot but agree that this does not happen accidentally. It must be the result of proactive leadership and serious support for security agencies,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde also revealed that the Chief of Air Staff is interested in expanding the Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia State, particularly at the airport site with the establishment of a Special Forces Training Centre for job training and jungle warfare operations.
He explained that the centre would significantly enhance operational readiness and strengthen security not only in Abia State but across the South-East region.

The Air Force Commander further commended the Abia State Government for renovating the NAF administrative headquarters and residential facilities for officers and airmen in Umuahia, describing them as modern and well-equipped.
He also disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff is planning to visit Abia State personally to assess the facilities being developed and appreciate the state government for its support to the Air Force.
Present during the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Chukwunonye Alajemba, and other top government officials.