The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Intervention Project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s transformation agenda aimed at achieving sustainable national development through strategic investments in education.
Abiodun stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Air Force Legacy Building at Baptist High School, Ilaro, in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Lukmon Kiadese, the governor noted that the project reflects the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving educational infrastructure and enhancing learning outcomes across the country.
The intervention project, executed by the Nigerian Air Force, was carried out in honour of a retired senior officer, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, in recognition of his meritorious service to the nation.
The newly inaugurated Legacy Building comprises three modern classrooms, each capable of accommodating 75 students, along with male and female toilet facilities, two staff offices, and a water station equipped with a 2,000-litre tank and pumping machine.
Abiodun said the project underscores the NAF’s dual commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and contributing meaningfully to community development.
“The construction of these modern classrooms is an investment in the future of our children. It will reduce overcrowding, improve concentration, and create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning,” he said.
He added that the initiative demonstrates the impact of inter-agency collaboration in driving national development, particularly in the education sector.
The governor also commended AVM Olatunde for bringing honour to Ogun State and inspiring younger generations through his service and contributions.
According to him, the facility will significantly improve students’ academic performance while providing teachers with a more functional and professional work environment.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening public education through continuous investment in infrastructure, teacher development, and access to quality learning.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by AVM Christopher Akpa, said the intervention project forms part of the NAF’s non-kinetic strategy to strengthen civil-military relations and foster community trust.
He explained that the Special Intervention Programme was designed to enable senior officers to give back to their communities, noting that about 15 such projects have been completed nationwide, with several others ongoing.
“The initiative is part of efforts to win the hearts and minds of the people while supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Aneke urged the host community to continue supporting security agencies through intelligence sharing, stressing that such collaboration is vital to addressing security challenges.
In his remarks, AVM Sayo Olatunde (rtd), the project facilitator, said the building was conceived to address the problem of overcrowded and dilapidated classrooms, particularly the use of science laboratories as makeshift learning spaces.
He noted that relocating students to the new facility would allow for the proper renovation and utilisation of the school’s laboratory, thereby supporting science and technology education.
Olatunde expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for providing the platform to give back to his alma mater, adding that the project symbolises hope for students and a brighter future for the community.
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The inauguration ceremony also highlighted the evolving role of the Nigerian Air Force in civil-military relations, including humanitarian interventions, community development projects, and efforts to mitigate civilian harm during operations.
Stakeholders at the event described the project as a milestone in strengthening education and promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.
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