A’Ibom Govt Donates Land For NAF Forward Operational Base

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom government has donated a parcel of land for the establishment of a barrack for the Forward Operational Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the State.
The State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who presented the land documents on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit on him by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, at Government House, Uyo, expressed hope that the Air Force base will be of great value in protecting the State’s and national boundaries.
Eno noted that the State, under his leadership, was committed to sustaining the trajectory of security in the State and pledged government’s continued partnership with security agencies in the State. 
He expressed the resolve of the State to continuously partner all the security agencies including the Nigerian Air Force, urging the force to keep on with the good works in the State and country at large.
Eno thanked the force for its decision to establish a base in the State, saying, “with the establishment of the Forward Base Operations, we believe that the Air Force is now fully integrated into our security architecture as a State”. 
The governor was hopeful that the NAF will continuously work to protect the state’s international boundaries, considering the fact that Akwa Ibom is a littoral State, while also helping with its air operations to ensure continued  maintenance of security in the land.
According to him, the State takes security very seriously, which is why it has continued to remain one of the most peaceful states in the country, assuring that government will continue to work with all security agencies including the Nigerian Air Force.
“We thank you for the Air Force base that is going to be strategically located in Akwa Ibom State. Before now, apart from the school and the presence at the airport, the Air Force was the only arm of security that was not really on ground in Akwa Ibom State, but with this establishment of  forward operations base, we believe that the Air Force is now fully integrated into our security architecture as a State and we welcome you. 
“We hope and trust that you will continue to work to protect our international boundaries knowing that Akwa Ibom is a littoral State, especially to help with our air operations to ensure that we continue to maintain security in the land.
He  applauded the Chief of Air Staff for the academic standard at the Air Force School in the State, and solicited some concessions to enable the school accommodate more Akwa Ibom children.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Abubakar, appreciated Governor Eno for donating the land for the establishment of a Barrack for the Forward Operational Base (FOB) at an accessible distance from the Eket Airstrip, as well as his continued support to national security initiatives, his proactive vision in promoting infrastructural development and investment in the State. 
   This, he noted, would not only fast track the setting up of necessary facilities for the strategic process but would add great value for both national defense and homeland security in support of other forms of civil commercial enterprise. 
Abubakar said the Forward Operational Base, when established, would provide further assurance of safety and security of persons and property, thereby fostering the entrenchment of Akwa Ibom State as a very good investment and tourism destination.
The Chief of Air Staff expressed gratitude for the strategic collaboration between Akwa Ibom State and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), especially in providing the enabling support for the momentous transfer of the Eket Airstrip to the NAF, noting that the significant step demonstrates Eno’s commitment towards the strengthening of security within the State for several reasons.
Abubakar said the transfer of the Airstrip to the NAF would help to extend air power for national security, protection of territorial integrity as well as supporting the drive to promote a thriving blue economy, while the NAF would be better positioned to protect critical national assets around Akwa Ibom shoreline when they become fully operational.
He mentioned some of the assets as the floating Liquefied Natural Gas plant, the Ibom Deep Sea Port and the BUA Refinery, stressing that the assets, which hold immense national and economic value, would greatly benefit from the enhanced security presence of the NAF at Eket. 
Abubakar appreciated the governor for the warm reception and hospitality for his team, and assured of NAF’s continued support for the security component of the ARISE Agenda.