Yusuf A Yusuf
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a Special Intervention and Quick Impact Project at Government Secondary School, Bichi, in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and improve educational infrastructure in host communities.
The Independent Mirror reports that the project, according to the NAF, is aimed at supporting education, fostering cooperation and deepening trust between the military and the communities it serves.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the intervention formed part of the NAF’s non-kinetic operations designed to strengthen civil-military relations.
He said the initiative was a key step towards using non-kinetic operations to win the hearts and minds of the civil populace, thereby building trust and cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force and communities across the country.
“Civil-military relations is an avenue to encourage sustainable growth and mutually beneficial interactions between civil society and the military. It is an important part of the Nigerian Air Force’s concerted efforts to build trust and win the hearts and minds of the populace through special intervention projects,” he said.
According to him, such projects have positive impact for ongoing military operations, as they help to strengthen the relationship between the NAF and the communities where it operates.
Air Marshal Aneke also said the intervention was in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He disclosed that since the introduction of the Special Intervention Project scheme, 19 projects had been commissioned, while several others were ongoing across the country.
The project at Government Secondary School, Bichi, was undertaken in honour of a distinguished son of Kano State, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim.
The intervention included the renovation and furnishing of two blocks comprising four classrooms, as well as the renovation and equipping of the school clinic and sports office. A new school mosque was also constructed.
The Kano State Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Director-General, Special Duties, Major General Mohammed Sani (Rtd), commended the Nigerian Air Force for the intervention, describing it as an example of effective partnership and development.
He appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff for the gesture in honour of Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim, whom he described as a dedicated officer who served the nation with commitment.
The governor’s representative said the project was also in line with the Kano State Government’s efforts to extend development project to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The project was subsequently commissioned by Director General Special Duties, Major General Mohammed Sani (Rtd), who represented the governor at the ceremony.
The project facilitator, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim, said the intervention had transformed the school’s previously dilapidated infrastructure and would contribute significantly to improving the learning environment for students.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Air Marshal Aneke as Chief of the Air Staff, saying the appointment had facilitated the intervention.
Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim also urged members of the community to provide timely information to security agencies whenever they noticed suspicious or unwanted activities.
He said the initiative was conceived to promote stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and communities across the country
