Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani on Monday presented Certificates of Occupancy to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for lands earlier allocated to the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) for its Post Service Housing Scheme at the New Millenium City in the state.
Governor Sani made the presentation during a visit to the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, where he commended the CAS for his outstanding performance and his efforts at transforming the Force into an “agile and resilient force.”
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement, saying Gov Sani highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s air power roles in Operation Whirl Punch, which has led to the drastic reduction in the frequency of attacks by terrorists and other criminal elements.
He also commended the Air Marshal Abubakar for upgrading the 271 NAF Detachment at Birnin Gwari to a Wing status now to be known as 4135 NAF Wing, Birnin Gwari.
The governor also disclosed that his administration has allocated 10 operational vehicles to the NAF to enhance its ongoing operations.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force is a vital partner in ensuring the safety and security of Kaduna State and we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to enable the NAF effectively carry out its mandate and secure our communities.”
Responding, Air Marshal Abubakar thanked the Governor for his commitment to collaborate and support the NAF.
He also c theommended the governor for his kindness in approving the Certificate of Occupancy for the two parcels of land to the NAF, which he assured would be put to good use for the benefit of its personnel.
“We are grateful for all the support we have been receiving from the Kaduna State Government, and I want to assure you that we will not rest until we rid Kaduna State and its surroundings of all criminal elements,” Air Marshal Abubakar assured.
He further highlighted NAF’s efforts to enhance its operations through the installation of new landing and navigational aids at the Military Airport in Kaduna.
These, according to him, would increase the frequency of flight operations as well as improve ongoing operations.
The presentation of the Certificates of Occupancy marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and the Nigerian Air Force, as they work together to address the security challenges facing the state and the nation.
Recall that the Kaduna State Government had in October 2023, approved the allocation of a total of 88.840 hectares of land comprising 44.894 hectares and 43.746 hectares to the NAF at the newly carved out Kaduna Millenium City.
The lands would be partly developed into a new NAF Base and majorly for construction of Post Service Housing Schemes for the NAF personnel.