Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has called for deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to improve security and drive development across the state.
The governor made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the state government and the Air Force.
Air Marshal Aneke welcomed Governor Otu and emphasized the strategic importance of Cross River State, noting the presence of NAF units in Calabar and surrounding areas. He restated the Air Force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity while supporting internal security operations, humanitarian services, disaster response and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure.
The CAS added that the NAF is ready to expand cooperation with the state in training, logistics, intelligence sharing and welfare programmes that support both personnel and host communities.
Governor Otu commended the professionalism and dedication of the Nigerian Air Force, stressing that strengthened collaboration is vital to sustaining peace and enabling socioeconomic progress. He assured the Air Chief of the state government’s readiness to partner more closely to create a secure environment for citizens and businesses.
Both leaders agreed that continued synergy between Cross River State and the Nigerian Air Force is essential to advancing national security and fostering broad-based development.