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 S.K. Aneke. The CAS was represented by AVM Edward Gabkwet.
Commissioned on Tuesday, September 29, the project is dedicated 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 government, cut the tape to formally inaugurate 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 those 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 included Mr Lawrence Obeya, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr Michael Obeya, Chairman of OBECON Group; and the Chairman of Okpokwu LGC Mr. Adam Inalegwu.
Mr Inalegwu assured residents that the Oklenyi Road in Okpoga would be tarred before Christmas Day 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 project.
