By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar has described security problem as a complex and multi-facetted that requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts from the Government, Security forces and community stakeholders.
Air Marshal Abubakar therefore welcome the Bauchi state government’s focus on agriculture and food security through the Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone initiative, among others, to help in eradicating poverty in the state.
The Chief of Air Staff noted during a courtesy visit to Government House that the efforts are well signed with the state government approach necessary to tackle insecurity in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“We recognise and uphold His Excellency on common determination to enshrine development in Bauchi state through infrastructural development in agricultural projects such as the Special Agro Industtial Processing Zone being established in Bauchi.
Marshal Abubakar explained that the Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone of the state is a welcome initiative that will provide opportunity for food and job security, as well as increase the contribution of agriculture in the Growth Domestic Products (GDP) of the country
According to him, the kind gestures of the Bauchi state government further manifested it’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as it face the security challenges of the state and across the country.
He further explained that NAF has more attack flatforms that will boost it’s operations being conducted in tandem with other security agencies in the state.
“As the state government plays it’s part, the NAF will continue to synergise with other security agencies to ensure the security of lives and property, and enduring peace in Bauchi state”, Marshal said.
To this end, he stated, “Iam please to inform Your Excellency, that we have invigorated our efforts and continuos intelligence surveillence and reconnisance on some flashpoints in Bauchi state that include Ningi, Toro and Alkaleri Local Government Areas”.
Abubakar also expressed his appreciation to the state government for approving a road construction project for the NAF Base in Bauchi, adding “We are also grateful for the intervention and approval for the Special Operation Command, Bauchi to continue using one of the state government’s properties as hostel accommodation”.
“Your Excellency, let me reassure you that NAF personnel will continue to maintain the professional and cordial relationship with the civilian population in Bauchi state. We will also sustain our contribution to the surrounding communities through our medical outreach, and other quick impact services”.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has while responding, said that the Chief of Air Staff visit to see NAF officers and men outside is an attestation of his professionalism and pedree as one of the best officers that the country has ever trained.
Senator Bala Mohammed explained that the state government recognised the important role NAF is playing in enhancing Bauchi state security in terms of surveillence and reconnissance services, and in collaboration instinct that is making the state very safe and secure.
The Governor said that Alkaleri, Tafawa Balewa, Toro and Ningi are flashpoints, saying the presence of the Special NAF Operation in Bauchi has gone along way to assist the structured community with infrastructure to do their jobs.
Mohammed expressed delight with the health services of the NAF in Bauchi which, he said, are very handy where the state didn’t have full compliment of it’s services, especially at tertiary level, stressing “You are accommodating our patients and your cost is within the threshold of affordability by our people”.
About The Author
