Air Marshal Aneke Commends Enugu’s Support, Calls for Greater Civil–Military Cooperation

By Zainab Uzomah

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has completed a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command and other units in Enugu, highlighting efforts to strengthen training, enhance operational readiness and deepen collaboration with the Enugu State Government.

In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the Air Force said the visit, which took place from 5 February, formed part of ongoing reforms aimed at aligning NAF training institutions with evolving security challenges. A key feature ofthe programme was a meeting between the Air Chief and the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, where both sides discussed expanding civil-military cooperation.

During the courtesy call at Government House, Air Marshal Aneke thanked the State Government for its support to Air Force personnel and infrastructure, particularly in accommodation and essential utilities. He described Enugu’s partnership with the Service as a model for subnational contributions to national security. Properly trained and motivated technical and support personnel, he said, were essential to sustaining airpower and ensuring operational aircraft deliver “decisive results”.

The Air Chief also outlined the Service’s long-term welfare strategy, which integrates housing, agriculture and operational resilience initiatives. He said proposed collaborations with the State on resettlement housing and agro-allied projectswould improve personnel welfare while stimulating local economic activity. He added that the Air Force would continue working closely with other security agencies to maintain peace in Enugu and the wider South-East.

Responding, Governor Mbah reaffirmed the State Government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the Air Force. He pledged support for additional land allocations for resettlement homes and for farming initiatives to enhance food production and support NAF welfare systems. Security and development, he said, remained the State’s top priorities, praising the professionalism and stabilising presence of Air Force personnel.

At the Ground Training Command, the Air Chief received an operational briefing from the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal A.G. Kehinde, who outlined ongoing training reforms, infrastructure upgrades and personnel development efforts. Aneke commended the Command for aligning training standards with
modern operational requirements and said the Ground Training Command remained central to producing the technical workforce that supports airpower nationwide.

The visit also included inspections of training facilities and operational assets across the Command. Air Marshal Aneke expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirmed continued institutional support, noting that investment in training is essential to building a capable, disciplined and future-ready Air Force.