The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned renovated schools and four solar-powered boreholes as part of its special intervention projects in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The projects, implemented under the NAF's non-kinetic operations, were inaugurated at Sabongari Primary School and selected communities in the local government area.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday K. Aneke, represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Bauchi, Air Vice Marshal A. Idriss, said the intervention was aimed at strengthening civil-military relations.
He said the projects were designed to win the confidence of residents, build trust and foster cooperation between the NAF and communities.
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"Globally, civil-military relations have emerged as a panacea for positively shaping national security architecture, and the NAF is fully in tune with this importance," he said.
Idriss said the projects were executed in selected communities in honour of senior officers from the areas, adding that the Yobe interventions were implemented in honour of the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, an indigene of the state.
At Sabongari Primary School, the NAF renovated and furnished three blocks comprising six classrooms and three staff offices.
It also renovated three blocks comprising six classrooms, a multipurpose laboratory and four staff offices at Government Girls Day Secondary School, Sabongari.
Four solar-powered boreholes were also provided in Majewa, Yindiski Gakoko, Gabar da Kasuwa and Maina Kaina communities.
The Air Officer Commanding urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper use and maintenance.
He also called for greater collaboration between communities and security agencies, particularly through the provision of timely and useful intelligence to security personnel.
The project executor, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, said the NAF would continue to support communities through interventions targeting critical social needs and complementing government development efforts.
Representing Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation, Alhaji Aji Yarima Bularafa, commended the NAF for the initiative.
Bularafa said the projects aligned with the state government's efforts to provide modern amenities to rural communities and improve the living conditions of residents.
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He conveyed the governor's appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff and the NAF for supporting communities across the state.
