Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River Staten, on Monday, paid a courtesy visit to Sunday Kelvin Aneke, chief of the air staff (CAS), at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the state’s resolve to deepen security collaboration for peace, stability, and national development.
Welcoming the governor, Aneke, an air marshal, described the visit as a reinforcement of long-standing cooperation between the NAF and Cross River State. He noted that the presence of Air Force units in Calabar and adjoining areas places the state in a strategic position within Nigeria’s wider security architecture.
According to the CAS, Cross River remains “a significant partner in our collective efforts to preserve peace and stability,” given the state’s geography, economic potential, and security demands. He assured Governor Otu that the NAF would maintain active support in internal security operations across the state.
Aneke further highlighted the Air Force’s sustained commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He emphasized that the NAF “remains committed to providing airpower in support of national defence and to deter and defeat threats to our sovereignty,” while also strengthening responses to disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and the protection of critical assets.
He added that the Service is ready to broaden cooperation with the state government in areas including training, logistics, information sharing, capacity development, and welfare programmes that benefit both personnel and surrounding communities.
In his response, Governor Otu commended the NAF for its professionalism and unwavering service to the nation. He said Cross River State places a high premium on its partnership with the Air Force, especially as security remains central to the state’s long-term development goals.
“Cross River State will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Air Force to enhance security and create an environment where our people and the economy can thrive,” the Governor affirmed, noting that improved collaboration would reinforce confidence across communities and economic sectors.
Governor Otu and the Chief of Air Staff ended their meeting with a shared understanding that sustained synergy between the State Government and the Nigerian Air Force is indispensable to strengthening collective security and advancing national development.
