The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned newly renovated educational facilities and four solar-powered boreholes in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State under its special intervention programme.
The intervention, carried out as part of the NAF’s non-kinetic operations, covered Sabongari Primary School, Government Girls Day Secondary School, Sabongari, and four communities across the local government area.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday K. Aneke, represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Bauchi, Air Vice Marshal A. Idriss, said the initiative was intended to deepen the relationship between the military and the civilian population.
According to him, interventions of this nature are important in building confidence, strengthening trust and encouraging closer cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force and the communities it serves.
“Globally, civil-military relations have emerged as a panacea for positively shaping national security architecture, and the NAF is fully in tune with this importance,” he said.
Idriss explained that the intervention projects were undertaken in selected communities in recognition of senior Air Force officers who hail from the benefiting areas.
He added that the projects executed in Yobe State were carried out in honour of the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, who is an indigene of the state.
At Sabongari Primary School, the Nigerian Air Force renovated and furnished three blocks containing six classrooms and three staff offices.
The intervention also extended to Government Girls Day Secondary School, Sabongari, where three blocks comprising six classrooms, a multipurpose laboratory and four staff offices were renovated.
In addition, solar-powered boreholes were constructed in Majewa, Yindiski Gakoko, Gabar da Kasuwa and Maina Kaina communities to improve access to water.
The Air Officer Commanding urged residents and other beneficiaries to take responsibility for the facilities, stressing the need for their proper utilisation and maintenance.
He also called for stronger cooperation between local communities and security agencies, particularly through the timely provision of credible and useful intelligence that could assist security personnel in carrying out their duties.
Speaking on the intervention, the project executor, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, said the Nigerian Air Force would sustain efforts to support communities through projects addressing critical social needs and complementing the development initiatives of government.
Representing Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation, Alhaji Aji Yarima Bularafa, praised the Nigerian Air Force for the intervention.
Bularafa said the initiative complemented the state government’s drive to expand access to modern amenities in rural communities and enhance the quality of life of residents.
He also conveyed the governor’s appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their continued support for communities across Yobe State.
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