NIGERIA— NAF-Commissions Special-Intervention-Project-In-Bayelsa-To-Boost-Civil-military-Relations-And-Community-Development

NIGERIA— NAF Commissions Special Intervention Project In Bayelsa To Boost Civil-military Relations And Community Development

Published by Wisdom Tide News | September 7, 2026

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday commissioned a special intervention project in Biseni Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and win the hearts and minds of host communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said that the intervention is a key component of NAF’s operations aimed at building trust and soliciting cooperation between security agencies and the communities we serve and protect.

Represented by the Air Vice Marshal, MN Onyebashi, Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Bayelsa, the Chief of Air Staff said, "Civil-military relations, which thrive on constant, robust, and mutually beneficial interaction between the military and civil society, have emerged as a panacea for positively shaping our national security architecture."

“As a critical element of Nigeria’s national power, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to special intervention projects that endear our service to the people and create positive implications for ongoing operations nationwide.”

The project, executed in honour of Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, a distinguished son of Bayelsa State who hails from the community, aligns with NAF’s mandate to remain deeply connected to its roots while contributing to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Feedback from benefiting communities indicates that the projects have met expectations and have further endeared the Nigerian Air Force to local populations. To date, over 18 similar projects have been sited in various communities across the country where senior officers are serving.

The project, fully funded by the Chief of the Air Staff, comprises a 2-bedroom flat for the Principal and 4 single-bedroom flats for teaching staff of Biseni Secondary School. It is in line with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation and supporting host communities.

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY COMMENDATIONS

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, commended the NAF and described the intervention as a clear example of partnership that aligns with his administration’s agenda to take development and modern amenities to the grassroots.

“This project will have a lasting positive impact on our young citizens and demonstrates NAF’s commitment not only to national security but also to the socio-economic wellbeing of our people,” the Governor said.

In his remarks, AVM E.O.E. Ebiowe, an alumnus of the school in whose honour the project was executed, said the quarters represent an investment in teachers and in the future of education at the grassroots. He noted that improving educators’ living conditions will boost staff retention and quality of learning in Biseni Clan.

AVM Ebiowe, whose late father was the pioneer Principal of the school, described the intervention as “a bridge between past and future generations” and a symbol of partnership between the military, government, and community.

Also speaking, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanawei of Epetiama Kingdom, Yenagoa LGA, expressed concern over the neglect of the Niger Delta region and called for more infrastructural development in Biseni Clan and across the region. He commended the Chief of the Air Staff for the project and applauded AVM Ebiowe for remembering his alma mater.

The Principal of Biseni Secondary School, established in 1981, Mr Larry George

expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Air Staff, AVM Ebiowe, and Governor Douye Diri for the project. He noted that the project marks a new chapter for the school and will inspire students to “dream bigger and aim higher.”

PLEDGES

Other highlights of the event included pledges of: a 3.5KVA Solar Power System by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Computer Sets by the General Manager of Bayelsa State Electricity Company, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, and provision of Classroom Desks by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, to be delivered within two weeks

The high point of the event was the presentation of special souvenirs to the State Governor, the Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Ebiowe and the King Bubaraye Dakolo, followed by the commissioning of the project by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei.

The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to national development through initiatives that promote education, community welfare, and mutual trust with host communities. The school also reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and called for sustained partnership to deliver 21st-century education.

Dignitaries present included two members of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon Henry Marah and Hon Kambai Samuel Kozah, Ojez Shaka, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited (BECL), Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, Director General of the Bayelsa State Due Process Bureau, Hon. Aaron Nicodemus Timiye, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Council, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, the Paramount ruler of Biseni, HRH, David Obuma, traditional rulers, ANCOPSS, and other community stakeholders.