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Strengthening Collaboration In Advanced Aerospace Technologies For Enhanced National and Regional Security Keynote Address By Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, At The Fourth Africa Air Forces Forum In Lagos, Nigeria.

Strengthening Collaboration In Advanced Aerospace Technologies For Enhanced National and Regional Security
Keynote Address By Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON,
At The Fourth Africa Air Forces Forum In Lagos, Nigeria.
On May 22-23, 2025.
PROTOCOLS
I am deeply honoured to be invited to deliver this keynote address at this high-profile gathering of professionals and aerospace technology experts. This forum is both timely and auspicious.
Let me begin by warmly welcoming all participants,
especially those who have travelled from across Africa and around the world to be part of this historic event. I also bring you the warm greetings of the people of Imo State, who, like many Africans, place great hope in the shared security vision that this forum embodies.
I sincerely commend the foresight and leadership of
Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala
Abubakar DFS, and his African counterparts for putting this forum together. Your collective resolve inspires confidence in our defence capability as a region.
Airspace defines sovereignty. In today’s world, it also
shapes a nation’s survival. Across Africa, we are being
increasingly confronted by a complex web of transboundary threats, from terrorism and banditry to cyber incursions and resource-based conflicts. Borders or timelines do not confine these challenges. And as the threats evolve, so must our responses, not only in tactical precision but also in collaborative foresight.
We are reminded that airpower remains one of the most versatile tools of modern defence, offering speed, reach, deterrence, and intelligence superiority. However, although some African nations have built impressive capabilities, for example, Egypt has over 1,000 military aircraft, Algeria has 600-plus, and Nigeria maintains 163 aircraft, these numbers alone are insufficient. We need not only more aircraft but smarter integration of our air assets into a collective security architecture.
The Multinational Joint Task Force, which was created in response to the threat of Boko Haram, offers a case in point. Through such joint operations, we have achieved real gains in our efforts to secure our countries. We have neutralised terrorist strongholds, restored communities, and enabled safe resettlement. However, gaps remain in intelligence coordination, operational interoperability, and shared logistics. These must be addressed not in theory but through mechanisms we build together.
That task begins with a hard truth: Africa remains largely dependent on external suppliers for critical aerospace and defence needs. This reliance leaves us vulnerable to both market volatility and strategic manipulation. Yet across the continent, signs of transformation are emerging.
Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation is producing
small arms and experimenting with advanced platforms. Private firms like Proforce are manufacturing world-class Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, already deployed in Chad, Niger, and Rwanda. South Africa has doubled its defence exports since 2020, supplying Africa remains largely dependent on external suppliers for critical aerospace
and defence needs. This reliance leaves us vulnerable to both market volatility and strategic manipulation.
advanced systems and electronic warfare equipment.
Morocco has become a trusted aerospace manufacturing hub, producing for Airbus and other global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Egypt and Algeria maintain mature domestic defence industries, while Ethiopia and Zambia have made strides in self-sufficiency and technology integration.
Most notably, at least 35 indigenous drone models are in development or active service across Africa. Nigeria leads in this domain, with 28 drone systems operational or undergoing tests. This is a powerful signal that we are not passive consumers of security technology; we are increasingly becoming architects of our solutions.
But intention must now meet execution. We must
translate our shared aspirations into binding frameworks: mutual defence agreements, co-development pacts, pooled logistics platforms, shared research infrastructure, and joint training protocols. These are not luxuries. In the face
of 21st-century threats, they are necessary instruments of survival.
Increased defence spending ($25 billion in Algeria, $13.4billion in Morocco, $3.1 billion in Nigeria) shows that we are willing to invest. However, we must align these investments with coherent goals. For instance, technology transfer, indigenous innovation, and workforce development. South Africa and Morocco have shown how aerospace progress fuels economic growth and job creation. We must take a cue from these countries.
The leadership of the Nigerian Air Force has adopted a self- reliant approach, reactivating long-abandoned aircraft, deploying locally developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like the Tsaigumi, and incorporating academic research into mission planning and systems design. This shift is redefining the scope of African-led innovation in defence.
Distinguished participants, this forum must now bear a new doctrine: an African aerospace doctrine. One rooted in local capacity, governed by shared standards, and fuelled by political commitment. Our continent has the institutions. The African Union and regional economic
“We must translate our shared aspirations
into binding frameworks: mutual defence
agreements, co-development pacts, pooled
logistics platforms, shared research
infrastructure, and joint training
protocols. These are not luxuries. In the
face of 21st-century threats, they are
necessary instruments of survival.”
communities already provide frameworks for collective action. What is left is the courage to act, the will to fund, and the discipline to implement.
The era when air superiority was seen as a privilege is gone. Now, it is a requirement for sovereignty and peace. As we reflect, I urge this distinguished body to move from principles to policies. African skies must not remain exposed and unprotected, and African solutions can no longer wait.
Thank you, and may your deliberations advance the cause of peace, prosperity, and security across our beloved continent.
Sen. Hope Uzodimma, CON
Governor, Imo State of Nigeria.
News
Police finally returned my stolen AI Ray-Ban sunglasses – Sowore

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has returned the Artificial intelligence, AI, Ray-Ban sun glasses back to activist politicians, Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore had alleged that the sun glass was stolen during a protest by retired police officers on July 21, 2025 at the Force headquarters.
The protest was organised to demand improved welfare and retirement benefits for Nigerian police officers.
During the peaceful protest, Sowore had claimed that the glass was stolen by one Aku Victor Chiemerie.
However, Sowore confirmed the return of the glasses in a post on X.
“Today, the Nigeria Police Force returned my stolen Ray-Ban Meta eyeglasses, stolen by the National Thief, Aku Victor Chiemerie, to me,” he wrote.
News
VP Shettima commissions library, other projects in Calabar

The Vice President, Kasshim Shettima has commissioned a state of the art library in Calabar recently refurbished by Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River State
He also commissioned the two newly acquired aircrafts by the government of Cross River State in the Margaret Ekpo international airport Calabar.
The two now increases the fleet of Cally Air airline to four.
The Vice President, who represented President Bola Tinubu, commended the State government for the feat.
Governor Bassey Otu expressed gratitude to the President for permitting Shettima to represent him at the auspicious occasion.
Otu said he is consolidating on the efforts and achievements of his predecessors, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke and Ben Ayade who laid good foundation in three different important areas.
He said the Foundations have helped him to consolidate.
“Donald Duke came with tourism mentality, Senator Imoke focused on rural development while Ayade looked at industries.
“It was Ayade that initiated the aviation business. He actually purchased the first two aircrafts.
“I am now building on their efforts. With these two new aircrafts we’re poised to bolster the tourism potential of the state.
“We’ll add two more aircrafts before long to dominate the gulf of Guinea air route.”
News
Nigerian Govt arraigns Al-Shabab terrorists over killing of 40 worshippers in Owo church

The Federal Government on Monday arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in which over 40 worshippers died
The five accused persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.
Over 40 people were reported to have died in the attack, while over 100 others sustained injuries.
The five defendants were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the Department of State Services, DSS.
They are accused of being members of Al Shabab terrorist group, belonging to a cell in Kogi State.
The defendants are also alleged to have carried out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology.
They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them by an official of the court.
Following their not guilty plea, prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze urged the court to order that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending trial.
Defence lawyer, Abdullahi Muhammad however prayed the court to order the DSS to allow members of the defendants’ families and their lawyers to have access to them.
Muhammad said the defendants have been in custody since 2022 when they were arrested and have not had access to family members and lawyers.
Eze said it was the standard practice that detainees’ family members and lawyers should be granted access after a formal written request.
He noted that it has become inevitable at this stage that the defendants be allowed access to their lawyers to enable them prepare their defence.
Ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS.
Justice Nwite also ordered that the DSS grant the defendants access to members of their families and their lawyers.
He then adjourned till August 19 for the commencement of trial.
Some counts in the charge read:
* That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar adults, males, with others still at large, sometime in 2021, did join and became members of AL Shabab Terrorist Group, with cell in Kogi State and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 25(1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
* That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on 30th May, 2022; 37 June, 2022 and 4 June, 2022, at Government Secondary School, Ogamirana, Adavi LGA, Kogi State and behind Omialafa Central Mosque, Ose LGA, Ondo State, respectively, attended and held meetings, where you agreed to and planned for the terrorist attack, which you carried out on 5™ June, 2022, at St. Francs Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(a) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
* That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on 05/06/2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, with intent to further your religious ideology and while armed with IEDs and AK 47 rifles, did attack worshippers, held them hostage and in the process, caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons, including Onileke Ayodele, John Blessing, Nselu Esther and Ogungbade Peter and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 24(2)(a) of the same Act.
* That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on 05/06/2022, had in your possession IEDs and AK 47 rifles, with which you attacked worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, held them hostage, killed over 40 persons and caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2(1)(2) and (3)(v) and punishable under Section 24(1) and (2) of TPPA, 2022.
* That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on 05/06/2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, with intent to cause death, did detonate Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which led to the death of over 40 persons, including: Ajanaku John; Onuoha Deborah; Onileke Esther and John Bosede and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 42 (a)(ii) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
* That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on 05/06/2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church , Owo, Ondo State, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, did detonate Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons, including: Onuchukwu Happiness, Ogungbade Vivan and Nnakwe Paschaline Ugochinyerem and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 42(a)(i) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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