The Nigerian Air Force has commissioned a solar-powered mini-modern market at Oklenyi, Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. The project, commissioned on Tuesday, September 29, forms part of the community service initiative of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet represented the Chief of the Air Staff at the ceremony and stated that the market was dedicated to Air Vice Marshal Patrick Owoicho Obeya, Chairman of the Nigeria Air Force Centre of Excellence, in recognition of his service and longstanding connection to the community. The Secretary to the Benue State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, who represented the state government, cut the tape to formally inaugurate the facility.
The event was attended by senior military officers, traditional rulers, community leaders and other dignitaries. Among those present 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 included Mr Lawrence Obeya, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr Michael Obeya, Chairman of OBECON Group; and the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Mr Adam Inalegwu.
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. The intervention was presented as part of efforts by the Nigerian Air Force 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 Air Vice Marshal Obeya, whose contributions and ties to Okpoga were cited as part of the inspiration behind the project.
During the event, Mr Inalegwu assured residents that the Oklenyi Road in Okpoga would be tarred before Christmas Day 2026.
