NAF Chief Commissions Infrastructure, Boosts Operational Capacity in Bayelsa

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has visited Yenagoa in Bayelsa State where he commissioned new infrastructure and launched a training institute aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational presence in the Niger Delta.

According to a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, the visit on 4 March formed part of the air chief’s operational tour of formations across the country to assess readiness, improve personnel welfare and reinforce partnerships supporting national security.

During the trip, Air Marshal Aneke paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator
Douye Diri, where he stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the military and civil authorities in securing the Niger Delta.

The air chief described Bayelsa as strategically important to Nigeria’s security and economic stability, noting that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to working with the state government and other stakeholders to protect lives and critical national assets in the region.

Governor Diri, in his response, praised the Nigerian Air Force for its role in maintaining stability and protecting oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta. He also welcomed the establishment of a new training institution in Yenagoa, saying it would strengthen cooperation between the state government and the air force while creating opportunities for capacity development.

Air Marshal Aneke also visited the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, where the commander, Rear Admiral OBF Oladipo,commended the Nigerian Air Force for its operational support to the task force. He said the force’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and air mobility capabilities had significantly enhanced joint operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and tackling economic sabotage in the region.

The air chief further paid a condolence visit to the widow of the late deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Erujakpo, conveying the condolences of the Nigerian Air Force and describing the late politician as a dedicated public servant.

A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) in Yenagoa, which will provide specialised training in administration, management and public relations for personnel.

Air Marshal Aneke also commissioned theresidence of the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for additional infrastructure projects at the base before touring facilities at the command headquarters.

Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar with personnel, the air chief praised their professionalism and described Mobility Command as the logistical backbone of the Nigerian Air Force, responsible for providing the reach and operational support required for air operations across the country.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Michael Onyebashi, welcomed the chief of the air staff and thanked him for his continued support, assuring him of the command’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational readiness.