By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has strengthened its civil–military relations drive with the commissioning of a newly constructed classroom block and staff offices at Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was honoured with a prestigious traditional title by the host community.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that the community conferred on the Air Chief the title “Ufan Edemaya,” meaning “Friend of the People of Edemaya,” during the commissioning ceremony held on Friday, 20 February 2026, in recognition of the Service’s sustained developmental interventions and its growing partnership with local communities.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative, consists of a fully furnished block of three classrooms, a principal’s office and staff rooms, and was undertaken in honour of retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff at the ceremony, Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as a vital component of the Air Force’s non-kinetic operations, noting that such projects play a strategic role in winning the trust and confidence of host communities while fostering lasting partnerships.
He explained that the Special Intervention Project initiative was conceived to honour distinguished retired senior officers by contributing to the development of their communities, adding that ten similar projects have already been completed across the country, attracting commendation from beneficiaries.
Gabkwet emphasised that the initiative not only strengthens the bond between retired personnel and their communities but also reinforces the Air Force’s broader mandate of safeguarding the nation while supporting socio-economic development.
In remarks delivered through his representative, the Chief of the Air Staff commended Air Vice Marshal Etukudo (retd) for facilitating the project and expressed optimism that the new facilities would improve access to quality education in the community.
He urged students, teachers and residents to make proper use of the facilities and ensure their maintenance, while also calling on community members to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
The Air Chief also encouraged youths in Edemaya and across Akwa Ibom State to explore career opportunities in the Armed Forces as a means of contributing to national development and security.
In his remarks, the facilitator of the project, Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo (retd), expressed appreciation to the Air Force for honouring him and his community, describing the intervention as a reflection of the Service’s recognition of his 40-year military career, which began in 1985.
He noted that the project marks the beginning of infrastructure development at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College, established by the community to provide educational opportunities for students unable to secure admission into government secondary schools due to limited space.
Etukudo 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 Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the Air Force for its commitment to grassroots development, noting that the project aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve education through infrastructure development.
Community leaders and residents also expressed appreciation to the Air Force and presented the Chief of the Air Staff with a staff of honour as a symbol of friendship and partnership.
The event highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s expanding role beyond its core military duties, reinforcing its commitment to nation-building through community-focused interventions and sustained civil–military cooperation.
