The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has described the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu, as the engine room of air power, highlighting its central role in producing skilled, disciplined and mission-ready personnel.
Air Marshal Aneke made the remark during a two-day operational visit to the Ground Training Command and other NAF units in Enugu, stressing that the effectiveness of a modern air force depends not only on aircraft and technology, but largely on the quality of its technical and support workforce.
According to the Air Chief, the Ground Training Command, through rigorous instruction, standardised curricula and continuous professional development, provides the technical competence and operational mindset required to sustain flying excellence, safety and combat effectiveness across the Service.
He noted that a well-trained and motivated ground workforce directly translates into decisive operational outcomes for the Nigerian Air Force.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Ehimen Ejodame, the visit was aimed at reinforcing the Service’s commitment to operational readiness, national security and sustainable development.
The statement explained that the visit also reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen training institutions, upgrade infrastructure and adapt capabilities to evolving security challenges.
A major highlight of the visit was the CAS’s engagement with the Enugu State Government to deepen civil–military cooperation. During a courtesy visit to Government House, Air Marshal Aneke commended Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his consistent support to NAF personnel and facilities, particularly in accommodation development and provision of essential utilities.
He described the collaboration as a model of subnational support for national security and outlined the NAF’s long-term welfare and sustainability initiatives, including housing development, agricultural programmes and agro-allied projects aimed at improving personnel welfare and stimulating local economic activity.
The Air Chief also reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven collaboration with sister security agencies to maintain peace and stability in Enugu State and the wider South-East.
At the Ground Training Command, Air Marshal Aneke received an operational briefing from the Air Officer Commanding, A.G. Kehinde, on training reforms, infrastructure upgrades and personnel development initiatives. He later inspected training facilities and operational assets, expressing satisfaction with the progress made.
In his response, Governor Mbah reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to allocate land for resettlement housing and NAF agricultural projects, while pledging sustained partnership with the Nigerian Air Force to promote security, peace and development.
By Linus Aleke
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