NAF Commissions Intervention Project In Bayelsa, Boosts Civil-Military Relations
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a special intervention project in Biseni Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in a renewed effort to strengthen civil-military relations and support community development.
The project, commissioned on Saturday, was executed in honour of Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, a distinguished son of Bayelsa State and an alumnus of Biseni Secondary School.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the intervention formed part of the NAF’s efforts to build trust, foster cooperation and strengthen relationships between the military and host communities.
The CAS, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Bayelsa, Air Vice Marshal M.N. Onyebashi, said effective civil-military relations remained critical to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
He said the Nigerian Air Force was committed to implementing special intervention projects that would positively impact communities and create an enabling environment for its operations nationwide.
According to him, more than 18 similar intervention projects have so far been undertaken in communities across the country where senior NAF officers are serving.
The project, which was fully funded by the Chief of the Air Staff, comprises a two-bedroom flat for the Principal and four single-bedroom flats for teaching staff of Biseni Secondary School.
The initiative is in line with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of strengthening civil-military cooperation while supporting the socio-economic development of host communities.
Government, Community Commend NAF
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, commended the Nigerian Air Force for the intervention, describing it as an example of effective partnership between security agencies, government and local communities.
The governor said the project aligned with his administration’s commitment to taking development and modern amenities to the grassroots.
He added that the intervention would have a lasting impact on young people in the community and demonstrated the NAF’s commitment not only to national security but also to the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens.
In his remarks, AVM Ebiowe described the teachers’ quarters as an investment in education and the future of children in the community.
He said providing decent accommodation for teachers would improve staff retention and contribute to better learning outcomes in Biseni Clan.
Ebiowe, whose late father was the pioneer principal of Biseni Secondary School, described the project as “a bridge between past and future generations” and a symbol of partnership among the military, government and community.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanawei of Epetiama Kingdom, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, also commended the initiative.
King Dakolo, however, expressed concern over the continued neglect of parts of the Niger Delta and called for increased infrastructural development in Biseni Clan and other communities across the region.
The Principal of Biseni Secondary School, Mr Larry George, expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Ebiowe and Governor Diri for the intervention, saying the project had opened a new chapter for the school.
He said the improved facilities would inspire students to “dream bigger and aim higher.”
More Support For Biseni School
The commissioning ceremony also witnessed pledges of additional support for the school.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, pledged a 3.5KVA solar power system, while the General Manager of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, pledged computer sets.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, also pledged to provide classroom desks, with the items expected to be delivered within two weeks.
The high point of the event was the presentation of special souvenirs to Governor Diri, the Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Ebiowe and King Bubaraye Dakolo, followed by the commissioning of the project by Prof. Ayawei.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national development through initiatives focused on education, community welfare and stronger relationships with host communities.
The school management, in turn, pledged to sustain its commitment to academic excellence and called for continued support from government, security agencies and other stakeholders in providing 21st-century education.
Among dignitaries at the event were members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Marah and Hon. Kambai Samuel Kozah; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo; Director-General of the Bayelsa State Due Process Bureau, Hon. Aaron Nicodemus Timiye; Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Council, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari; Paramount Ruler of Biseni, HRH David Obuma; traditional rulers; members of ANCOPSS; and other community stakeholders.
