The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has sought stronger collaboration with the Enugu State Government as he inspected the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command and other units in the state to boost operational readiness.
Aneke, who embarked on a two-day operational visit beginning February 5, 2026, said the inspection was part of efforts to strengthen training, deepen civil-military relations and align Air Force institutions with evolving security demands.
During a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Government House, the air chief commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for sustained support to the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in the area of accommodation and improvement of essential utilities for personnel.
He described the partnership with the state as a model of subnational cooperation in national security, stressing that effective ground training remains critical to airpower delivery.
“Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results,” Aneke said.
The CAS also outlined the Air Force’s long-term welfare and sustainability plans, noting that collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would improve personnel wellbeing and contribute to the state’s economy.
He added that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to work with other security agencies through intelligence-driven operations to sustain peace in Enugu and across the South-East.
In his response, Governor Mbah assured the Air Force of the state government’s continued support, pledging to provide land for resettlement housing for NAF personnel as well as for NAF Farms and agro-allied services.
The governor said security and development were inseparable, praising the professionalism and stabilising role of Air Force personnel in the region.
At the Ground Training Command, Aneke received an operational briefing from the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal A.G. Kehinde, on training reforms, infrastructure upgrades and personnel development programmes.
He later inspected training facilities and key operational assets, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded and reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to investing in training to build a capable, responsive and future-ready service.
