NAF delivers streetlight, water projects in Ogun community

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has brought renewed hope to residents of Anipupo Community in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State with the commissioning of a Special Intervention/Quick Impact Project.

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the service, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the projects commissioned on Tuesday included 30 solar-powered streetlights, an industrial borehole, and a 35,000-litre water storage system.

The statement explained that the projects, inaugurated by the Service in honour of Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis, were part of NAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Civil-Military Relations (CMR) by improving the quality of life in rural communities—while fostering trust, cooperation, and intelligence-sharing vital to national security.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, described the intervention as a clear demonstration of NAF’s commitment to building bridges with the civil populace under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The CAS emphasized that beyond its combat role, the Nigerian Air Force has a responsibility to positively impact lives, win hearts and minds, and contribute to community development.

“Projects like this resonate deeply with our non-kinetic operations. By providing clean water and lighting up the community, we are not only improving livelihoods but also reinforcing the bond of trust between the Nigerian Air Force and the people we serve,” he said.

In his welcome address, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the NAF for this significant intervention in Anipupo Community, his hometown.

He appreciated NAF’s unwavering commitment, noting that it serves as a reminder that, “when we come together with a shared purpose, no challenge is too great to overcome.”

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He urged leaders, stakeholders, and community members to take ownership of the project, safeguard it, and ensure its sustainability.

“This initiative should not be seen as a short-term intervention, but as a seed that must grow into lasting development,” he said.

The statement added that the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun—represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya—commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as a “shining example of partnership that transforms lives.”

The governor lauded Air Marshal Abubakar for extending the initiative to Anipupo in honour of Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis, an indigene of the community.

“The generous construction of an industrial borehole, water tank, and solar streetlights is a shining example of the kind of collaboration and partnership that can transform the lives of our citizens,” Governor Abiodun stated.

“This project aligns perfectly with my government’s grassroots development agenda, which seeks sustainable growth and an improved standard of living for all citizens in Ogun State.”

He also commended AVM Marquis for his dedication to national service and to the welfare of his community, urging residents to use the facilities responsibly and work with security agencies to safeguard peace in the state.