As part of its community efforts to strengthen Civil-Military Relations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has rekindled hope to residents of Anipupo Community in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State with the commissioning of a Special Intervention/Quick Impact Projects.
The projects include 30 solar-powered streetlights, an industrial borehole, and a 35,000-litre water storage system.
The project, according to the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, disclosed that they were inaugurated on 26th August 2025 by the NAF, in honour of Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis, as 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 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.
He noted that beyond its combat role, the Nigerian Air Force has a responsibility to touch lives positively, 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,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.
In his welcome address, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the NAF for the significant intervention in Anipupo Community, his hometown.
He sincerely appreciated the 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.”
He urged leaders, stakeholders, and community members alike to take ownership of the project, safeguard it, and ensure its sustainability. According to him, this initiative should not be seen as a short-term intervention but as “a seed that must grow into lasting development.”
The Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as a “shining example of partnership that transforms lives.”
He 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.
“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,” Governor Abiodun said.
He further praised AVM Marquis for his dedication to national service and to the welfare of his community, while urging residents to use the facilities responsibly and partner with security agencies to safeguard peace in the state. The event, which drew wide support from community leaders and stakeholders, underscores the NAF’s growing role in supporting national development beyond its core military responsibilities.
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