The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has applauded the Nigerian Air Force for its unalloyed cooperation in keeping the state safe, pledging that his administration would continue to work with the Force and other security agencies to fight insecurity.
The Governor, who stated this while receiving the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, and his team, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office, disclosed that the state had been enjoying a cordial relationship with the Air Force.
Makinde noted: “We are happy with the cooperation that we have enjoyed from the Air Force in Oyo State. Thanks to Air Commodore S. Peter, who is a member of the Oyo State Security Council and who has always provided useful counsel. We are excited that we are expanding the footprint of the Nigerian Air Force here with the planned Airforce Base and whenever the Chief of Air Staff is ready, we are ready to do the groundbreaking.”
He said the Oyo State Executive Council had just been constituted with a new commissioner for Lands and Urban Planning, whose task is to ensure that compensation is paid for the land being provided for the base.
Makinde affirmed that his administration would continue to expand the footprints of the Nigerian Air Force in the state, as the Force would be well supported through a special support fund under his office in next year’s budget.
The Governor reiterated that as part of his government’s efforts to upgrade the Airport, all roads leading to the facility had been awarded for construction, noting that the contractors were being awaited to mobilise to the site.
“We have also awarded the contract for the fuel dispensing facility at the Airport. We are doing everything here to ensure that the Airport is fully upgraded and we also have the project to extend the runway from the current 2.7 kilometres to 3.3 kilometres so that bigger aircrafts can land in there,” he disclosed.
The Governor, who maintained that the country had been going through a difficult period and that the current set of leaders in the country have been quite challenged, affirmed that the names of members of the Armed Forces would be written in gold for their efforts at stemming the tide of insecurity at this point in the nation’s history.
The Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshal Ohwo, commended the leadership style of Governor Makinde, saying he was impressed by the infrastructural projects being carried out in the state.
He further appreciated the governor for the support he has given the Force so far, including the piece of land for the Air Force Base, new school building, transformer and other equipment donated by his government.
Ohwo noted: “You have done so much for other services including the Nigerian Air Force. I want to specifically thank you for the piece of land you gave to the Nigerian Air Force to put up a befitting Air Force Base. Before coming here, I spoke to the Chief of Air Staff. It is his desire to also appreciate you for the support for our school and the transformer you donated and all the other projects.”
He conveyed the assurance of the Chief of Air Staff that the Air Force would be willing and ready to contribute its quota to ensure that the Southwest and specifically, Oyo State is safe.
PIAK
