The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Friday, inaugurated a special intervention project to strengthen civil-military relations and community engagement.

The event took place at Okota Grammar School, Isolo, Lagos, with stakeholders deliberating on the significance of collaboration between the military and communities.

Mr Aneke said the intervention was part of the Nigerian Air Force’s non-kinetic strategy aimed at building trust, enhancing cooperation, and fostering mutual understanding between the military and civilian populations.

Mr Aneke was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, AVM Abubakar Suleh.

Mr Aneke said the projects included a fully equipped ICT laboratory and the upgrade of the school mosque.

He listed the items provided as computers, a large-screen television, a photocopy machine, furniture, and a solar inverter system, all designed to improve learning conditions and sustainability within the school environment.

According to him, civil-military relations have become essential in shaping the national security architecture by encouraging cooperation, trust-building, and meaningful engagement between the armed forces and civil society.

“The Nigerian Air Force, as a critical element of Nigeria’s national power, recognises the importance of civil-military relations in achieving sustainable peace and effective security outcomes,” he said.

He, however, explained that the Nigerian Air Force had supported civil authorities through internal security operations, logistics, emergency response, airlifting of election materials and relief items, as well as search-and-rescue missions nationwide.

He added that the Nigerian Air Force had launched a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan in May 2025 to minimise civilian casualties and strengthen accountability during operations.

“Whenever incidents occur, we take remedial steps, including compensation for victims and executing quick impact projects to restore confidence within affected communities,” he said.

He further said that the Special Intervention Project initiative was designed to honour senior officers by executing community-based projects that reconnect them with their roots while supporting national development objectives.

“Since its introduction, 12 projects have been commissioned across the country, with feedback indicating that they meet community expectations and strengthen the Air Force’s relationship with the populace,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries to utilise the facilities responsibly and encouraged residents to support security agencies through intelligence sharing while promoting peaceful coexistence within communities.

Also speaking, the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, District VI, Christiana Yusuf, thanked the Nigerian Air Force for the intervention, describing it as a transformative contribution to education and youth development.

“By providing this ICT facility, you are equipping our students with the tools to compete globally and shape their future in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven world,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of maintaining the facilities, urging the school management to ensure the proper utilisation of the equipment.

Mrs Yusuf described the partnership between the military and the education sector as a model for national development, noting that the government alone could not address all societal challenges.

In his remarks, the project facilitator, retired AVM Tajudeen Yusuf, said he initiated the project to address the lack of learning facilities experienced during his time as a student at the school.

“The intervention was made possible through collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of Air Staff to better equip current and future students,” he said.

He enjoined the students to maximise the opportunity, stressing that determination and focus would enable them to achieve their goals.

A former teacher, Taiwo Babalola, described the project initiator as hardworking, disciplined, and focused during his school days. 

(NAN)