Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde has restated the commitment of his administration to partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to improve security as well as promote development in the state.
Makinde made this known when he received a courtesy visit from the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshal Kolade Ademuwagun in his office on Monday.
He thanked the security agency for its collaborative efforts and support for his administration since it came on board in 2019.
He, thereby, assured that his government would continue to partner with the security agency in line with its commitment to providing adequate security for residents of the state.
He equally expressed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with NAF to improve security and also promote development in the state while highlighting the key role of the Air Force in national security.
Governor Makinde also thanked NAF for releasing three of its personnel who are experts in the field of aviation to help Oyo state achieve its aim on the upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to an international Airport.
He underscored the importance of a safe and secure environment for the progress of Oyo State, committing to work closely with military agencies to ensure the safety of residents.
According to him, “On your new assignment. We pray that it will be an impactful tenure of service and you will end well.
“I think at this point I need to acknowledge the fact that since I came in here, the NAF has been a pillar of support and has been keeping us safe and secure in Oyo. Your officers and men have been working day and night to keep us safe.
“We want to, on behalf of the people of the state and the government, say thank you to the Air Force. Please, convey my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Air Staff for what you are doing in Oyo State.
“Yes, we are looking forward to a functional Air Force Base in Ajia. When we started the interaction regarding the project, they said we were going to pay compensation to the people who have to be displaced and that has been done.
“Also, we promised an amount which it has been, but we know that inflation has caught up with that amount and we are ready to contribute more so that the project can see the light of the day and can be done rapidly.
“I know this is also a tough period for our security agencies, especially the Air Force because there is no local standard for aviation, the standard is international. And most of the things you do like training, simulation, and maintaining your equipment and aircraft are based on forex.
“So, I know for you to get through this period, you must have been doing a lot of maneuvering and ingenuity. I can only encourage you to say that we feel your pain. Tough times don’t last but tough people do.
“We look forward to turning around the situation of the country. You just have to manage. We are ready to contribute more because we know what we promised them. What you will get today will probably be like 10 to 15 per cent of what you would have gotten at the time we made the promise. So, please, as you move along, request further support from us and we will oblige you of that.
“We are here and want to see the expansion of the Nigerian Air Force footprint in Oyo State.” Governor Makinde stated.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Ademuwagun, who was accompanied by the GOC 2 Division, NA, Major General Obinna Onubogua, and other top personnel, acknowledged the governor’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in Oyo State. He praised the governor’s commitment to security and robust relationship with the Nigerian Air Force.
While also acknowledging Governor Makinde’s act of generosity to NAF via various efforts including donation of a parcel of land to NAF at Ajia, Ona-Ara local government for a military Base, and also paying off the affected land owners, AOC Ademuwagun assured the governor of the Air Force’s readiness to continue to support efforts of the state government.
Present at the visit were members of Oyo State executive Council and top Air Force Personnel including Commander, 671 Nigerian Air Force Station in Ibadan, Air Commodore A G Akinyimika, Commander Equipment and Supply Depot, Air Commodore E Akintunde, and other top personnel.
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