The Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke has commended the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission for its sustained support to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, and other security agencies operating in the region.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he highlighted several development initiatives undertaken by the Commission to support security operations and improve safety across the region.
According to him, the Commission’s intervention has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and strengthened security infrastructure for the Air Force and other agencies.
He said; “Let me seize this opportunity to commend the NDDC for its unflinching support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies. We can see the good work you are putting in, such as the provision and installation of solar lights and the supply of 713 solar inverters, which have helped enhance safety and operational efficiency in the region.”
The Chief of Air Staff also cited the Commission’s donation of a multi-purpose facility to the Nigerian Air Force at Kolo-Otuoke in Bayelsa State as a major milestone in the collaboration between both institutions.
Aneke explained that “the facility now houses an Administrative and Management School, a physical education centre, and a skills acquisition centre. The school was deliberately relocated from Kaduna to the Niger Delta as a mark of appreciation for the Commission’s commitment to supporting security agencies.”
He said that “the NDDC’s mandate of the socio-economic development in the Niger Delta aligned with the Air Force’s strategic responsibility of ensuring a secure environment for national growth and stability.”
He noted that the training centre would provide learning opportunities not only for Nigerians but also for foreign participants and interested staff of the Commission, thereby contributing to capacity building and professional development.
While reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to sustaining the partnership, Aneke appealed to the Commission to consider rehabilitating and equipping Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centres with modern facilities that could serve as training hubs.
He also sought the Commission’s support in providing accommodation for Air Force personnel serving in key Niger Delta locations, including Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba and Warri.
Responding, the Managing Director of the Commission, Samuel Ogbuku reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with both public and private institutions in advancing development and strengthening security in the region.
“As an interventionist agency, we are always prepared to partner with both private and public organs in areas of development, especially in security,” Ogbuku said.
He stressed that insecurity, particularly terrorism, poses a significant threat to national development if not properly contained.
“Terrorism is like a virus, and if not curtailed, it will spread to other parts of the country, but I want to commend you because, since you assumed office, you have risen to the challenges posed by insecurity,” Ogbuku stated.
He explained that the Commission’s interventions across the Niger Delta were designed to complement the efforts of security agencies, noting that peace remains a fundamental requirement for sustainable development.
Ogbuku cited the Commission’s “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative as one of its key programmes aimed at improving security and stimulating economic activities in communities across the region.
According to him, “the installation of solar-powered lighting infrastructure in numerous communities has helped reduce militancy and criminal activities while encouraging commercial activities.’
The NDDC boss also commended the Nigerian Air Force for properly maintaining facilities previously donated by the Commission.
He further appreciated the Air Force for allowing aff of the Commission to participate in the newly relocated School of Administration and Management as part of efforts to enhance staff capacity and training.
Ogbuku expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Commission and the Nigerian Air Force would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
He assured the Air Force that the partnership, built on mutual commitment to development and security, would stand the test of time and contribute significantly to peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.