By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and national well-being with the commissioning of a newly completed Paediatric Ward and the renovation of a General Ward at the Gwagwarwa Comprehensive Clinic and Maternity Centre in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The landmark initiative, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff’s (CAS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (QIP), took place on 23 October 2025 and reflects the Service’s enduring dedication to civil-military cooperation and humanitarian service.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the project was executed in honour of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Kabir Mukhtar Umar, and involved the full completion, furnishing, and equipping of a modern Paediatric Ward, alongside a comprehensive rehabilitation of the General Ward. The upgraded facility now features solar lighting, 20 hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, radiant warmers, pulse oximeters, resuscitators, and other essential medical equipment designed to improve maternal and child healthcare delivery in the community.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, reiterated the NAF’s resolve to strengthen public trust through impactful non-kinetic interventions that complement ongoing military operations. “This project reflects our belief that national security is best sustained through cooperation and mutual trust between the military and the people we serve,” he said. The Air Chief noted that the Quick Impact Projects were conceived to support community development and contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, by ensuring that the presence of the Armed Forces translates into tangible benefits for citizens. “Through projects like this, we aim to win hearts and minds, ensuring that communities feel the tangible impact of the Air Force’s service beyond the skies,” he added.
Representing the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the event, Dr Balarabe Ibrahim Gaya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Intervention Programmes, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent people-oriented approach and collaboration with the state government in advancing public health. He described the Gwagwarwa project as a testament to NAF’s genuine concern for citizens’ welfare. “This project brings renewed hope to our people and complements our administration’s efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to all. We deeply appreciate the NAF’s continued collaboration and commitment to improving lives in Kano State,” he stated.
In his remarks, AVM Kabir Mukhtar Umar, in whose honour the project was executed, expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff and described the intervention as a transformation of a decades-old healthcare challenge into a lasting legacy. “This project is more than a structure; it is a symbol of care, service, and remembrance,” he said. AVM Umar revealed that the newly upgraded wards named Mukhtar Memorial Ward honour his late father, Alhaji Mukhtar Umar, who served as the pioneer dispenser at the Gwagwarwa clinic in the 1960s. He recalled the facility’s humble beginnings as a small dispensary and celebrated its evolution into a full-fledged health centre revitalised through the NAF’s Quick Impact Projects.
Air Marshal Abubakar commended AVM Umar for his enduring commitment to community service and urged residents to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance and effective use. He further encouraged the people of Gwagwarwa to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that would enhance peace and stability in the region. “Together, we can sustain peace and protect our nation,” the CAS charged.
The event concluded with goodwill messages, prayers, and an inspection of the newly commissioned wards, symbolising a strengthened bond between the Nigerian Air Force and the people of Kano State.
Reaffirming the Service’s humanitarian commitment, the Nigerian Air Force stated that beyond its operational role in defending the nation’s airspace, it remains steadfast in implementing community-focused initiatives that improve living standards, empower citizens, and build public trust. “Our mission goes beyond defending the skies; it is about protecting lives, empowering communities, and building a secure, prosperous Nigeria,” Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed.
