NAF Commissions Special Intervention Project in Benue to Boost Economic Growth
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Special Intervention Project in Oklenyi, Okpoga, Benue State, aimed at strengthening grassroots economic development and improving the livelihoods of residents.
The project, executed in honour of one of the NAF’s distinguished senior officers and an illustrious son of Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Owoicho Obeya, comprises market sheds, an administrative block and a solar-powered water supply system.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the intervention demonstrated the Service’s commitment to winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, strengthening public trust and deepening cooperation with host communities.
Aneke said the project was one of 21 similar interventions executed by the NAF across the country in honour of distinguished senior officers in their respective communities.
According to him, the facilities were designed not only to address critical infrastructure needs but also to stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for improved livelihoods at the grassroots.
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He commended AVM Obeya for facilitating the intervention and urged members of the Oklenyi community to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance and protection.
The CAS also stressed the importance of sustained civil-military cooperation and timely sharing of actionable intelligence, describing both as essential to supporting the Armed Forces in addressing security threats and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
For AVM Obeya, the intervention provided an opportunity to contribute to the development of his community and support the socio-economic wellbeing of its residents.
The project includes two market sheds with capacity for up to 48 traders, a furnished administrative block and a solar-powered water reticulation system supplied by two deep wells.
Also speaking at the event, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dcns. Serumun Deborah Aber, commended the NAF for complementing its traditional defence responsibilities with interventions targeted at community development.
She said the project was consistent with the state government’s rural transformation agenda and urged residents of Okpoga to protect, maintain and sustainably utilise the facilities for the benefit of current and future generations.
The intervention underscores the growing emphasis on civil-military relations as a tool for strengthening community resilience, public trust and collaboration in support of national security.
By PRNigeria
