Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde again, on Monday, expressed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Nigerian Air Force to improve security and promote development in the state.
He made this commitment while playing host to the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, NAF, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshal Kolade Ademuwagun, at the governor’s office, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.
Makinde, who expressed appreciation to NAF for its collaborative efforts and support for his administration since it came on board in 2019, 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.
“I want to express my administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with NAF to improve security and also promote development in the state,” he said.
The governor thanked the institution for releasing three of its personnel who are experts in the field of aviation to help the state achieve its aim on the upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to an international Airport.
“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 have been keeping us safe and secure in the state. Your officers and men have been working day and night to keep us safe.
“Yes, we are looking forward to a functional Air Force Base in Ajia. When we started the interaction regarding the project, they said we are going to pay compensation to the people that have to be displaced and that has been done....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
“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, 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 manouvering and ingenuity. I can only encourage you to say that we feel your pain. Tough times don’t last but tough people do.”
Similarly , he said the state is looking forward to the improved economic situation of the country., saying that, “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 for 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 the state.”
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Ademuwagun acknowledged the governor’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.
He praised the governor’s commitment to security and robust relationship with the NAF.
Ademuwagun was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogua, 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.
