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NAF Strengthens Civil-Military Relations As CAS Bags Traditional Title In Akwa Ibom

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CAS Bags Traditional Title In Akwa Ibom

NAF Strengthens Civil-Military Relations As CAS Bags Traditional Title In Akwa Ibom

NAF strengthens civil-military relations as CAS bags traditional title in Akwa Ibom. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has further strengthened its Civil–Military Relations (CMR) footprint with the commissioning of a newly constructed block of classrooms and staff offices at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

In recognition of the Service’s sustained developmental interventions, the community of Edemaya conferred the traditional title “UFAN EDEMAYA”—meaning Friend of the People of Edemaya—on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. The honour was bestowed during the commissioning ceremony held on Friday, 20 February 2026, underscoring the growing bond between the NAF and host communities across the nation.

The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative, comprises a fully furnished block of three classrooms, a principal’s office, and staff rooms. It was undertaken in honour of an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State, retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo. Representing the CAS at the event, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as a critical component of the NAF’s non-kinetic line of operations, emphasizing that such initiatives are instrumental in winning hearts and minds while fostering enduring trust between the military and the civil populace.

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet explained that the Special Intervention Project was conceptualized to honour distinguished retired senior officers by contributing meaningfully to the development of their home communities. He noted that ten similar projects have so far been commissioned nationwide, all receiving commendation from beneficiaries. The initiative, he said, not only sustains the connection between retired officers and their roots but also reinforces the NAF’s constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation while supporting socio-economic development.

In his remarks conveyed through his representative, the Chief of the Air Staff commended Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (Rtd) for his thoughtful choice of project and expressed confidence that the new facilities would significantly enhance the quality of education in the area. He urged students, staff, and community members to maintain and utilize the facilities responsibly. The CAS also called on residents to continue living peacefully and to support security agencies with credible information necessary for ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal elements. On the sidelines of the event, youths of Edemaya and Akwa Ibom State were encouraged to take advantage of career opportunities within the Nigerian Armed Forces in service to the nation.

Earlier, the facilitator of the project, Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo (Rtd), expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for honouring him and his community. Reflecting on his 40-year military career which began in 1985, he described the project as a testament to the Service’s appreciation of his contributions to national and continental security. He explained that the new block marks the commencement of development at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College, established by the community to accommodate students unable to secure admission into government secondary schools due to limited facilities. He further appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to consider taking over and expanding the college to meet the growing educational needs of the area.

CAS Bags Traditional Title In Akwa Ibom

CAS Bags Traditional Title In Akwa Ibom

Representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its genuine commitment to grassroots development. He noted that the project aligns seamlessly with the administration’s agenda of improving learning and living standards through modern infrastructure.

Community leaders and residents echoed these sentiments, expressing immense gratitude and presenting the CAS with a staff of honour as a symbolic affirmation of friendship and partnership. The event not only highlighted the NAF’s operational excellence but also reaffirmed its enduring commitment to nation-building through impactful community engagement.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

Akwa Ibom

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

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Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.

The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the state’s overall development.

She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.

“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.

“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”

Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.

She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.

She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.

Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the government’s commitment to worker’s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.

She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that worker’s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the government’s favourable policies.

He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.

Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.

He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.

“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.

James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ interest.

He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.

He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor

In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.

They also acknowledged his administration’s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.

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Akwa Ibom

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

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NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

A routine flight turned into an unforgettable moment in Nsit Ibom as Nigeria marked Workers’ Day. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) demonstrated its people-focused service during a routine liaison mission within the Niger Delta area.

While en route on the mission, the crew executed a precautionary landing at a primary school football field in Nsit Ibom LGA, in line with standard safety procedures.

The unexpected arrival of the helicopter transformed the quiet community space into a scene of excitement, drawing children and youths from Afaha Abia and Ikot Obio Asanga villages, many witnessing a military helicopter up close for the first time. What began as a routine mission quickly evolved into a meaningful moment of connection and inspiration.

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Seizing the opportunity, NAF personnel engaged warmly with the young audience, sharing insights into career pathways and emphasizing the values of discipline, service, and patriotism. The interaction ignited hope and aspiration among the youths, with several expressing a desire to join the Service.

NAF

NAF

Seamless coordination between Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army personnel, alongside the warm reception by community leaders, further reinforced the strong bond between the military and the people.

Following necessary aviation procedures, the helicopter safely departed and has since returned to base, leaving behind more than just a story, it sparked hope, pride, and stands as a powerful testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

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Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.

Ibom Air

Ibom Air

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”

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