By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, has pledged to partner with the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to strengthen child protection systems and promote women’s empowerment across the state.
The partnership was cemented on Tuesday when the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, led a delegation on an advocacy visit to the Air Officer Commanding, TAC, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, at the Command headquarters in Makurdi.
Mrs. Ikwue, who emphasised that every child deserves to grow up free from fear, said the collaboration would involve joint awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and empowerment programmes for women and families within and around the Air Force Base.
She commended the Command’s role in maintaining peace and security, describing family welfare as a shared responsibility toward building a more dignified society.
AVM Obeya, while welcoming the Commissioner, reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to protecting women and children, noting that TAC had also been involved in community development and medical outreaches as part of its social responsibility.
He directed the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) to work closely with the ministry to actualise the goals of the partnership.
Speaking on behalf of female personnel, Commanding Officer, Professions Allied to Medicine, Group Captain E.J. Alabila, applauded the Air Force for providing equal opportunities for women, while the Secretary of NAFOWA, Mrs. Ruth Viashima, expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate for impactful results.
The event was sealed with a symbolic presentation of gifts by AVM Obeya to Mrs. Ikwue in keeping with the Command’s tradition of hospitality.
