By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, 17 October 2025
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continued dedication to community development and social impact initiatives, following the commissioning of a Special Intervention/Quick Impact Project (QIP) in Ohe Community, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
The project, inaugurated on 16 October 2025 by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, features an industrial borehole system with a 35,000-litre overhead water tank, aimed at improving access to clean and safe water for residents of the community.
Governor Okpebholo, who was represented by Alhaji Gani Audu, Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, lauded the NAF for extending its developmental strides beyond its core operational duties. He described the intervention as a demonstration of the Service’s strong commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and alignment with his administration’s grassroots development agenda, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and enhance the well-being of citizens across the state.
The Governor also applauded Air Marshal Abubakar’s visionary leadership in promoting civil-military relations through people-oriented initiatives, noting that such efforts strengthen trust, unity, and cooperation between security agencies and the populace.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, the CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to deepen its engagement with communities nationwide through purposeful and development-driven projects. He explained that the Special Intervention and Quick Impact Projects are designed to foster mutual understanding, build trust, and bridge the gap between the military and civilians.
According to Air Marshal Abubakar, “civil-military relations are vital to national stability, as they encourage collaboration between the armed forces and local communities while discouraging activities that threaten peace and unity.” He added that the upgrade of the Directorate of Civil-Military Relations to a full Branch in May 2024 underscores the NAF’s expanding role in humanitarian assistance, gender advocacy, and grievance redress for both personnel and civilians.
The CAS also commended Air Vice Marshal Pius Oguega Oahimire, an indigene of Ohe Community, for identifying a project that directly meets the people’s most pressing needs. He urged the community to take ownership of the water facility and ensure its sustainability, assuring them of the NAF’s continued partnership in advancing peace and development across Edo State.
In his remarks, AVM Oahimire, who served as the Project Coordinator and Honouree, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the CAS for the opportunity to give back to his community through the NAF’s QIP. He emphasized that access to clean water is essential for life and human progress, noting that the project reflects the NAF’s understanding that national security and community welfare are inseparable.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by traditional rulers, community leaders, senior NAF officers, and residents, who all expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained commitment to improving lives through people-centred initiatives.
