The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has applauded the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continued commitment to community development and social impact projects, following the commissioning of a Special Intervention/Quick Impact Project (QIP) at Ohe Community in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has applauded the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continued commitment to community development and social impact projects, following the commissioning of a Special Intervention/Quick Impact Project (QIP) at Ohe Community in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.
The project, inaugurated on 16 October 2025 by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, features an industrial borehole and a 35,000-litre overhead water tank designed to provide residents with sustainable access to clean water.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gani Audu, Governor Okpebholo described the initiative as a laudable demonstration of the NAF’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians beyond its defence responsibilities. He noted that the project aligns with his administration’s grassroots development agenda aimed at improving living standards and promoting sustainable growth across Edo State.
The governor also commended Air Marshal Abubakar for his leadership vision in strengthening civil-military relations through impactful humanitarian interventions.
Speaking at the commissioning, the CAS — represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola — reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to foster closer ties with local communities through development-oriented projects.
According to him, the initiative is part of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Special Intervention and Quick Impact Projects aimed at deepening mutual trust, cooperation, and understanding between the military and the civilian populace.
“Civil-military relations remain critical to national stability, as they promote collaboration between the armed forces and local communities while discouraging activities that threaten peace and unity,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.
He further highlighted 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 affairs, gender advocacy, and grievance redress for both personnel and civilians.
The CAS commended Air Vice Marshal Pius Oguega Oahimire, an indigene of Ohe Community, for identifying a project that directly meets the needs of his people. He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its sustainability, assuring them of the NAF’s continued support in promoting peace and security in Edo State.
In his remarks, AVM Oahimire, who served as the Project Coordinator and Honouree, expressed gratitude to the CAS for granting him the privilege to execute the initiative in his hometown under the NAF’s QIP scheme.
“Access to clean water is essential to life and development. This gesture reflects the NAF’s understanding that national security and community welfare are inseparable,” he said, urging residents to protect and maintain the project as a legacy for future generations.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, senior NAF officers, and residents of Ohe, who collectively commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained efforts in improving lives through people-centred projects.