The Benue State Government has restated its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to ensure peace, development, and security across the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, made the declaration during the graduation ceremony of Air War Course 11 at the Nigerian Air Force War College, located at the Tactical Air Command Headquarters in Makurdi.
Commending the Armed Forces for their courage and professionalism, Governor Alia acknowledged the role of military interventions in restoring peace and public confidence in Benue and across Nigeria.
He congratulated the 29 graduating officers and urged them to apply their newly acquired knowledge, skills, and professional networks to the defence of the nation.
He encouraged the graduands to embody courage, integrity, and vision as they take on greater responsibilities in their military careers.
Also speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s ongoing support for the Nigerian Air Force. He called on the graduates to become solution-driven leaders and contributors to the nation’s evolving security architecture.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, described the graduation as a major step in building the capacity of the Air Force to protect Nigeria’s airspace.
He noted that the War College has so far trained over 200 officers from Nigeria and partner countries, positioning it as a centre of excellence for international military education.
Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that construction has commenced on a permanent site for the College in Abuja, aimed at transforming it into a world-class institution.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force has acquired 15 new aircraft in the past two years, reaffirming that personnel welfare remains a top priority.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the College, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Babatunde Philips, praised the graduating class for their dedication to professional growth.
He highlighted the diversity of the course, which included officers from Nigeria, Botswana, Morocco, and Cameroon, and described the College as a citadel of knowledge focused on addressing present and future security challenges.