Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Saturday expressed optimism over the effectiveness of aerial surveillance to tackle all forms of insecurity within the state.

Ugwuanyi expressed the optimism after presenting prizes to outstanding officers of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during the 2019 NAF Annual 10 Kilometres Walk/Jog Exercise in Enugu.

The governor, who participated in the exercise, lauded the NAF Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu, for their exceptional performance in their internal security duties, which had helped to make the state one of the safest in the country.

He said: “I must commend Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Abubakar Sadique, for the tremendous role NAF is playing in reducing insurgency in the country as well as professional internal security duties.

“I sincerely believe that the aerial surveillance adopted by security agencies in the state, to complement the existing security measures, will definitely check any existing or emerging security threat in the state.

“The existing cooperation between various security agencies in the state is quite commendable.

“The State Government will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force in its endeavours to improve security in the country and most especially within Enugu State.”

On the exercise, Ugwuanyi lauded NAF for conducting a hitch-free event, adding: “I encourage all Nigerians to take regular exercise serious for their health and wellbeing.”

“Medical experts have continued to advise that regular exercise keeps one fit, agile, healthy and reduces need for medical attention,” he said.

Air Commodore Anthony Ndace, Commander 553 NAF Base Services Group, said that the exercise was aimed at testing the physical fitness and combat readiness of NAF personnel.

Ndace called on NAF personnel to create time in engaging in sporting activities in order to enhance their fitness and agility at all time.

“NAF is thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for his laudable strive to ensure peace and security in the state; even as we will continue to provided our needed support to the civil authorities.

“NAF thank everybody that has participated and made the event a huge success,” said.

The overall best in the exercise, Flying Officer Ahmed Sambo, said that he would not relent to continue in his daily exercise to ensure that he would be ready for duty and deployment anytime.

“I must thank NAF for the prize given to me and I will continue to keep fit and make sure that I perform optimal in my assignments,” Sambo, who came overall first, said.