Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has handed over the Certificate of Occupancy of 66.6 hectares of land to the Nigeria Air Force.
He did the handover when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.
“We are all aware that it was initially granted by the previous administration but there was no C of O. It was supposed to be an operational base at that time. We know the project is still there; we will also assist in the construction of roads that will lead to the 66.6 hectares of land.
“The gesture is in line with our M.O.R.E. agenda, to enhance peace and security in the state because that’s the only way we can get development. I want to tell you here that, but for the sad Okuama 17 incident, we were already enjoying peace in Delta State.
“We condemn the unfortunate incident in totality and we know that the Okuama 17 will not go in vain. We are also doing our best; we have already set up an IDP camp for innocent citizens.
“I want to assure you that, regarding your request for land for your housing scheme, we will make sure that you get the land as soon as possible. Now that you have the spirit to build a housing scheme for your personnel, we have to get the land ready immediately.
“Again, we assure you that we will continue to partner with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Delta State to continue to enjoy peace because that’s the only way sustainable development can be achieved in this state,” the governor stated.
Abubakar thanked the governor for the support the Delta state government has provided to the Air Force over the years and also for the robust execution of his M.O.R.E. agenda in the state.
He also hailed Governor Oborevwori for gifting the Air Force land to fully entrench itself in the state.
Abubakar, who said he was in the state to oversee the operational responsibilities of the Air Force in Warri, said he could not help but thank Governor Oborevwori for all the support and cooperation the Air Force had received from the Delta State government over the years.