Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of his administration’s readiness to provide the necessary support to enable it to establish an operational base in the State.

Governor Eno gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Air Force, which was in the State to commence the process of establishing the base.

The Governor stated that the State was committed to ensuring peace and security, adding that the presence of the Air Force would complement the overall security architecture of the State.

He noted that while the State has enjoyed the presence of the Army and Navy, it currently only has a skeletal presence of the NAF. He appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for choosing to establish a base in the State.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Air Commodore A. H. Idris, said the visit was to solicit the government’s support in taking over the Eket Airstrip for the base.

He noted that the base, when established, would serve as a forward operating base to extend air power for national security, protect territorial integrity, safeguard critical oil assets, and support efforts to promote a thriving blue economy.

Other members of the delegation included Air Commodore C. E. Illoh, Group Captain A. K. Oyong, Group Captain H. I. Eze, Group Captain M. Yahaya, Group Captain M. H. Akpan, Squadron Leader A. Abdulsalam, and Squadron Leader E. E. Francis.

In a related development, the Governor also received and congratulated Nigerian Police Force cadets from Akwa Ibom State, who paid him a courtesy visit. He urged them to remain good ambassadors of the State.