By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced its civil military cooperation efforts with the commissioning of a newly constructed classroom block at Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force on the 22nd February 2026
According to the statement, the ceremony which was held on Friday, February 20, 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was conferred with the traditional title “Ufan Edemaya” meaning Friend of the People of Edemaya in recognition of the Service’s sustained developmental interventions in the community.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project initiative, includes three fully furnished classrooms, a principal’s office, and staff rooms. It was facilitated in honour of retired Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.
Representing the CAS at the event, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the intervention as part of the NAF’s non-kinetic operations aimed at strengthening trust and cooperation between the military and host communities.
He explained that the Special Intervention Project was designed to honour distinguished retired senior officers by supporting development initiatives in their home communities. According to him, ten similar projects have been commissioned across the country, drawing commendation from beneficiaries.
Gabkwet noted that beyond safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Air Force remains committed to supporting socio-economic development through impactful community engagement.
In remarks delivered on his behalf, the CAS commended AVM Etukudo (Rtd) for selecting an education-focused project and expressed optimism that the new facilities would improve learning outcomes in the area. He urged students, teachers, and community members to maintain the infrastructure and use it responsibly.
The CAS also encouraged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance national security efforts. Youths in the community were further advised to explore career opportunities within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking earlier, AVM Iboro Harry Etukudo (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the NAF for honouring him and his community. He described the project as a reflection of the Service’s recognition of his four decades of military service, which began in 1985.
He explained that the classroom block marks the beginning of development at the permanent site of Edemaya Unity College, established by the community to cater to students unable to secure admission into government secondary schools due to limited space. He appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to consider taking over and expanding the school to meet growing educational demands.
Representing Governor Pastor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the NAF for its commitment to grassroots development. He noted that the initiative aligns with the state government’s focus on improving educational infrastructure.
Community leaders and residents also expressed gratitude to the Air Force, presenting the CAS with a staff of honour as a symbol of partnership and goodwill.
The event underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s continued efforts to deepen civil–military relations while contributing to national development through strategic community interventions.
