NAF Commissions Solar-Powered Market in Okpoga

NAF Commissions Solar-Powered Market in Okpoga

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a solar-powered mini-modern market in Oklenyi, Okpoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The facility, commissioned on Tuesday, September 29, is part of the community-focused interventions being undertaken under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff at the commissioning, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said the project 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 ties to the Okpoga community.

The Secretary to the Benue State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, who represented the state government, formally inaugurated the facility by cutting the commissioning tape.

The ceremony brought together senior military officers, traditional authorities, community leaders and other dignitaries.

Among those in attendance 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 new market is designed to provide traders with a more organised commercial environment while extending access to electricity for small businesses through solar power.

The intervention is also expected to support petty traders and other small-scale entrepreneurs by providing a more conducive environment for their daily activities.

Beyond the market itself, the project highlights the NAF's community engagement efforts and its drive to complement its core military responsibilities with interventions capable of delivering tangible benefits to host communities.

The commissioning also provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions and longstanding connection of Air Vice Marshal Obeya to Okpoga, which officials cited as part of the inspiration behind the project.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA, Mr Adam Inalegwu, assured residents that the Oklenyi Road in Okpoga would be tarred before Christmas Day 2026.

The proposed road project is expected to further improve access to the newly commissioned market and enhance movement within the community.