Rivers State Governor,  Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to sustain and deepen its long-standing partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in efforts to strengthen security and protect critical economic infrastructure in the state.

The governor made the pledge on Thursday when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at Government House in Port Harcourt. Aneke was on a courtesy visit to appreciate the state government for donating one of its aircrafts to the Air Force last year.

Congratulating Aneke on his elevation as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff, Governor Fubara noted that Rivers State and the Nigerian Air Force had maintained a cordial relationship that predates his administration. According to him, successive governments in the state had always collaborated closely with the Air Force in areas of logistics, transportation and security.

The governor recalled that during the period when the Port Harcourt International Airport was temporarily shut down for rehabilitation, the Air Force Base in Port Harcourt provided alternative air transportation services for the state until the airport was fully restored and reopened.

Fubara explained that the decision to donate the aircraft was taken by the State Executive Council after determining that the aircraft was not being utilised by the state government. He said handing it over to the Air Force would enhance security operations, especially in the fight against pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities threatening the region’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,” the governor said.

Responding, Air Marshal Aneke described the visit as his first official engagement with the Rivers State Government since assuming office as Chief of Air Staff. He acknowledged the strategic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria, noting its central role in oil and gas production as well as maritime operations.

The Air Force chief commended the state government for its sustained support to the military, particularly the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter to the Air Force. While noting that the aircraft had not been used for some time and would require funding to restore it to full operational capacity, he expressed confidence that it would eventually enhance 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 standard of work carried out on the facility was impressive and positioned the airfield as a strategic asset located at the heart of the city.

The Chief of Air Staff further thanked the governor for providing two blocks of 12 two-bedroom apartments for Air Force personnel, noting that the intervention had significantly improved the welfare of airmen and airwomen and boosted operational readiness.

He also expressed appreciation for 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 the transfer of the Mother and Child Hospital at the base to the Air Force, noting that military hospitals in many developed countries serve both service personnel and members of the host communities.

According to him, about 80 per cent of the outpatients currently treated at the Air Force Hospital in the base are civilians from surrounding communities, a development he described as a positive contribution to healthcare delivery in Rivers State.