The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has identified robust ground training, personnel welfare, and strong state-level partnerships as critical for sharpening Nigeria’s airpower and sustaining security in the South-East.

Mr Aneke made this known during a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu.

A statement by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame on Thursday said the CAS engaged training commanders and the Enugu State government on practical measures to strengthen operational readiness and long-term stability.

In his remarks, the air chief said effective air operations depend largely on the quality of technical and support personnel produced by ground training institutions. He stressed that investment in training and welfare directly translates into mission success.

During a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah, Mr Aneke commended the state government for its sustained support to NAF personnel, particularly in accommodation and infrastructure development.

Mr Aneke described the partnership as a strategic contribution to national security, saying the ongoing collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would enhance personnel well-being, strengthen operational resilience, and stimulate local economic activity.

The CAS also reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to intelligence-driven cooperation with sister security agencies to sustain peace and protect critical assets in Enugu State and across the South-East.

In his response, Mr Mbah assured the NAF of continued support, including land allocation for resettlement housing and NAF farms.

He noted that security remained a foundation for development and investor confidence in the state.

At the ground training command, the CAS received an operational briefing from the Air Officer Commanding, AVM AG Kehinde, on training reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and personnel development initiatives tailored to current and emerging security challenges.

Mr Aneke commended the command’s leadership for aligning training standards with operational realities, noting that modern airpower is sustained by disciplined, highly skilled ground personnel.

After inspecting training facilities and operational assets, the air chief expressed satisfaction with progress made and assured continued institutional backing.

According to the CAS, a training-driven, welfare-conscious, and partnership-focused approach remains central to building a resilient and future-ready Nigerian Air Force.

(NAN)