Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening its security partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, highlighting the donation of a helicopter to the service as part of efforts to enhance protection of critical economic infrastructure.
Fubara made the pledge on Thursday when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at Government House in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit.
Aneke, who recently assumed office as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff, was in the state to appreciate the Rivers State Government for donating one of its aircraft, an Agusta 139 helicopter, to the Air Force last year.
Congratulating the Air Force chief on his elevation, Fubara said Rivers State had maintained a long-standing and cordial relationship with the Nigerian Air Force, noting that successive administrations had supported the military in areas of logistics, transportation and security operations.
The governor explained that the decision to hand over the helicopter was taken by the State Executive Council after it was established that the aircraft was no longer being utilised by the state government.
According to him, transferring the aircraft to the Air Force would ensure that it is deployed for active security operations, particularly in tackling pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities threatening the state’s economy.
“We believe that putting that aircraft into active service will help address some of the societal challenges around us. As a responsible government, we must do everything within our power to safeguard lives, property and critical economic facilities,” Fubara said.
He recalled that the partnership between Rivers State and the Nigerian Air Force predates his administration, citing instances where the Air Force provided support to the state.
Fubara noted that when the Port Harcourt International Airport was temporarily closed for rehabilitation, the Air Force Base in Port Harcourt provided alternative air transportation services for the state until the airport was reopened.
Responding, Aneke described the visit as his first official engagement with the Rivers State Government since assuming office and commended the administration for its sustained support to the Air Force.
He said the donation of the Agusta 139 helicopter would significantly enhance the service’s operational capacity in the region once restored to full operational condition.
While noting that the aircraft had not been in use for some time and would require funding for maintenance and reactivation, the Air Force chief expressed confidence that it would ultimately strengthen aerial surveillance and security operations in the state.
Aneke also praised the state government for rehabilitating and resurfacing the runway and apron at the Air Force Base in Port Harcourt, as well as installing runway lighting and perimeter fencing.
According to him, the upgrades have positioned the airfield as a strategic aviation facility located at the heart of the city.
The Air Force chief further thanked the state government for constructing two blocks of 12 two-bedroom apartments for Air Force personnel, noting that the gesture had improved the welfare of airmen and airwomen and boosted operational readiness.
He also appreciated the governor’s promise to support a school for children with special needs managed by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), describing it as an important contribution to the welfare of families of service personnel.
Aneke, however, appealed to the state government to facilitate the transfer of the state primary school located within the Air Force Base to the Nigerian Air Force for improved management. He also requested that the Mother and Child Hospital at the base be handed over to the Air Force, noting that military hospitals in many countries serve both service personnel and residents of host communities.
According to him, about 80 per cent of patients treated at the Air Force Hospital within the base are civilians from surrounding communities, a development he said contributes positively to healthcare delivery in the state.
