NAF Deepens Civil– Military Relations As CAS Bags Traditional Title, Commissions School Project In Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has further strengthened its Civil–Military Relations (CMR) footprint with the commissioning of a newly constructed block of classrooms and staff offices at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. In recognition of the Service’s sustained developmental interventions, the community of Edemaya conferred the traditional title “UFAN EDEMAYA”—meaning Friend of the People of Edemaya—on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. The honour was bestowed during the commissioning ceremony held on Friday, 20 February 2026, underscoring the growing bond between the NAF and host communities across the nation.

The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative, comprises a fully furnished block of three classrooms, a principal’s office, and staff rooms. It was undertaken in honour of an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State, retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo. Representing the CAS at the event, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as a critical component of the NAF’s non-kinetic line of operations, emphasizing that such initiatives are instrumental in winning hearts and minds while fostering enduring trust between the military and the civil populace.

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet explained that the Special Intervention Project was conceptualized to honour distinguished retired senior officers by contributing meaningfully to the development of their home communities. He noted that ten similar projects have so far been commissioned nationwide, all receiving commendation from beneficiaries. The initiative, he said, not only sustains the connection between retired officers and their roots but also reinforces the NAF’s constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation while supporting socio-economic development.

In his remarks conveyed through his representative, the Chief of the Air Staff commended Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (Rtd) for his thoughtful choice of project and expressed confidence that the new facilities would significantly enhance the quality of education in the area. He urged students, staff, and community members to maintain and utilize the facilities responsibly. The CAS also called on residents to continue living peacefully and to support security agencies with credible information necessary for ongoing efforts to rid the country of criminal elements. On the sidelines of the event, youths of Edemaya and Akwa Ibom State were encouraged to take advantage of career opportunities within the Nigerian Armed Forces in service to the nation.

Earlier, the facilitator of the project, Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo (Rtd), expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for honouring him and his community. Reflecting on his 40-year military career which began in 1985, he described the project as a testament to the Service’s appreciation of his contributions to national and continental security. He explained that the new block marks the commencement of development at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College, established by the community to accommodate students unable to secure admission into government secondary schools due to limited facilities. He further appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to consider taking over and expanding the college to meet the growing educational needs of the area.

Representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its genuine commitment to grassroots development. He noted that the project aligns seamlessly with the administration’s agenda of improving learning and living standards through modern infrastructure. Community leaders and residents echoed these sentiments, expressing immense gratitude and presenting the CAS with a staff of honour as a symbolic affirmation of friendship and partnership. The event not only highlighted the NAF’s operational excellence but also reaffirmed its enduring commitment to nation-building through impactful community engagement.