From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF has commissioned a solar-powered mini-modern market at Oklenyi, Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, as part of a community service initiative of the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The CAS who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet dedicated the project to Air Vice Marshal Patrick Owoicho Obeya, Chairman of the Nigeria Air Force Centre of Excellence, in recognition of his service and connection to the community.
The Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Mrs Deborah Aber, who represented the state governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia formally commissioned the facility amid a gathering of senior military officers, traditional rulers, community leaders and other dignitaries.
The solar-powered market is designed to provide traders with a more organised and modern trading environment while improving access to electricity for small-scale businesses in the community.
Among dignitaries who attended the commissioning were the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekueme; the General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, and Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara; and the Regent of the Okpoga Traditional Council, Chief Ogbe James Obeya.
Others include, Mr Lawrence Obeya, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr Michael Obeya, Chairman of OBECON Group and the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Council Mr. Adam Inalegwu.
The Council chairman Mr Inalegwu assured residents that the Oklenyi Road in Okpoga would be tarred before Christmas in 2026.
The intervention was presented as part of efforts to translate military leadership and community service into tangible benefits for residents, particularly traders and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The commissioning also provided an opportunity for the community to celebrate AVM Obeya, whose contributions and ties to Okpoga were cited as part of the inspiration behind the projected.
