By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria – The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has reiterated the need for concerted efforts to flush out unscrupulous elements in Delta State and environs while also emplacing effective civil- military cooperation where all parties can work as peace and security stakeholders, mutually supporting each other for the socio-economic benefit of all.
CAS, stated this today, 5 June 2024, while interfacing with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State at Government House, Asaba, according to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, noted that without a peaceful environment, meaningful development will be difficult to attain with negative consequences on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
He then called on the good people of Delta State to continue cooperating with security agents in the State as they make concerted efforts to rid it of all criminal elements.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar thanked the Governor for his amiable disposition and firm support to the Armed Forces and the NAF in particularly.
According to him, “The priority Your Excellency has been giving to security in Delta State especially in the last 12 months has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socio-economic growth and development in Delta State”.
He also thanked the Governor for the allocation of a large expanse of land and its Certificate of Occupancy to the NAF, at Osubi, measuring about 66.6 hectares for the development of a full-fledged Base which, according to him, signifies a landmark event in the history of Delta State and NAF relations.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori commended the CAS for the commitment of the NAF in fighting the scourge of insecurity bedeviling the nation, while also noting that his visit testifies to the strong bond and partnership between Delta State and the NAF.
Speaking on the 66.6 hectares of land allocated to the NAF, the Governor assured the CAS that his administration will soon commence the construction of the road leading to the land, as a sign of his commitment to ensuring the Base comes to fruition.
The Governor also promised to allocate another parcel of land for the construction of Post-Service Housing Scheme for retiring NAF personnel.
He used the occasion of the visit to condemn, in its entirety, the unfortunate incident of March 2024, which resulted in the loss of lives of some personnel of the Nigerian Army at Okuama Village.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the 66.6 hectares of land at Osubi by the Governor to the CAS.