Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has offered a model school building for the immediate takeoff of a Nigerian Air Force base in the state.
The governor made this known while hosting a delegation from the Chief of Air Staff, led by Air Vice Marshal Enebong Effiom, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
The offer follows Abiodun’s earlier meeting with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, in Abuja, where he discussed strengthening security and aviation development in Ogun.
According to him, the presence of the Air Force would complement the existing security architecture and further reinforce the state’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub.
“I had the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Air Staff yesterday (Monday), and we explored several areas of collaboration, particularly in aviation and security”.
“To ease the process of establishing an Air Force base in Ogun, I have offered one of our model school buildings that is currently not in use”.
“This will reduce the burden that comes with setting up a new base and allow for a swift commencement of operations”, Abiodun said.
The governor also assured the delegation that the state government would provide additional support, including accommodation and office space for Air Force personnel.
“With the support of the Chief of Air Staff, we will immediately establish an Air Force presence at the airport. A suitable office will be built, and accommodation will be provided for officers stationed there,” he added.
Abiodun further emphasized his commitment to fostering military presence in Ogun, revealing that his administration had also provided land and other logistics for a proposed Nigerian Navy base in Ogun Waterside. He stated that the groundbreaking for the naval base would take place in the coming weeks.
In addition to the Air Force base, the governor proposed the establishment of an Air Force school in Ogun to train and nurture young talents interested in military careers.
“We are passionate about education and would love to see an Air Force school in our state. If we can start nurturing young people early, it will open up more career opportunities for them in the military,” he said.
Governor Abiodun reiterated that his administration remains committed to enhancing security and infrastructure to attract more investors to Ogun.
