By Nkechi Eze
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Abuja, where he commended the Service’s expanding operational footprint and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a strong civil-military partnership.
During the visit, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation on behalf of the Government and people of Oyo State for what he described as the vital role the Nigerian Air Force continues to play in strengthening security and supporting development across the State. He noted that the presence and operational activities of the NAF have significantly contributed to maintaining stability, enhancing rapid response capabilities and reinforcing coordinated security efforts within Oyo and the wider South-West region.
The Governor congratulated Air Marshal Aneke on his appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, commending his leadership and strategic direction in enhancing air operations nationwide. He acknowledged the Service’s evolving capacity in air power projection, surveillance and air mobility, describing the NAF as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Governor Makinde also expressed gratitude for the airlift support provided by the Nigerian Air Force during the Oyo State 50th Anniversary celebration, describing the gesture as a strong demonstration of effective civil-military cooperation and intergovernmental synergy. According to him, the support underscored the Air Force’s commitment not only to security operations but also to national cohesion and state-level development initiatives.
Highlighting the existing framework of collaboration, the Governor noted that the Commander of the NAF Detachment in Ibadan remains an active member of the Oyo State Security Council, contributing significantly to intelligence-sharing, joint planning and coordinated responses to emerging threats. He affirmed that the relationship between NAF personnel and the civilian population in Oyo State has remained cordial, professional and mutually beneficial.
Assuring the Chief of the Air Staff of his administration’s continued accessibility, Governor Makinde reiterated the State Government’s readiness to sustain support for the Nigerian Air Force in advancing shared security objectives and fostering a secure environment conducive to economic growth and infrastructural expansion.
In his response, Air Marshal Aneke warmly welcomed the Governor and congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State on the successful celebration of their Golden Jubilee. He commended the infrastructural transformation ongoing in Ibadan, noting that such developments not only enhance socio-economic activities but also strengthen the broader South-West security architecture.
The CAS observed that modern infrastructure provides a more enabling platform for the projection of air power, rapid deployment and improved logistics, thereby reinforcing national defence and regional security objectives. He expressed appreciation for the Oyo State Government’s consistent and tangible support to the Nigerian Air Force.
Air Marshal Aneke specifically acknowledged the allocation of land at Ibadan Airport for a Forward Operating Base, the provision of land for the new NAF Base at Ajia, and financial assistance toward the construction of new barracks as concrete demonstrations of strategic partnership and shared commitment to security.
He reaffirmed that the collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the Oyo State Government remains critical to safeguarding lives and property, promoting sustainable development and ensuring that the South-West region continues to serve as a stable and secure hub within Nigeria’s national security framework.
