As part of efforts to strengthen Civil-Military Relations (CMR), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated a new classroom and staff block at Edemaya Unity College in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Special Intervention Project initiative, comprises three classrooms, a principal’s office and staff rooms. It was undertaken in honour of retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Iboro Harry Etukudo, an indigene of the state.
Inaugurating the facility on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, said the initiative underscores the NAF’s commitment to fostering trust and goodwill between the military and host communities.
He noted that 10 similar projects have been completed nationwide, aimed at supporting socio-economic development while sustaining ties with retired senior officers.
The CAS urged beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities and encouraged young people to consider career opportunities within the NAF. He also appealed to communities to support security agencies by providing credible information.
Speaking at the event, AVM Etukudo (rtd) expressed gratitude to the NAF for honouring him and his community, describing the new block as a significant step in developing the college’s permanent site. He explained that the school was established to accommodate students unable to secure admission into government secondary schools and appealed to the state government for further expansion.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the NAF’s commitment to grassroots development, noting that the project aligns with the state government’s drive to improve educational infrastructure.
