‎‎The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a special intervention project at Biseni Secondary School, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

‎The project is aimed at strengthening civil-military relations, supporting education and fostering cooperation between the NAF and host communities.

‎The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the intervention formed part of NAF’s non-kinetic operations.

‎Aneke spoke through Air Vice Marshal Michael Nnanye Onyebashi, Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, at the commissioning ceremony.

‎He said the initiative was designed to build trust, win the hearts and minds of communities and solicit their cooperation with security agencies.

‎“Civil-military relations thrive on constant, robust and mutually beneficial interaction between the military and civil society,” Aneke said.

‎He said NAF remained committed to special intervention projects that would strengthen its relationship with communities and support ongoing security operations.

‎According to him, the projects also contribute to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‎Aneke said the initiative had produced 18 commissioned projects in communities across the country, with several others currently ongoing.

‎He said the Biseni project was executed in honour of Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Ororowa Elijah Ebiowe, an indigene of the community.

‎The project comprises a two-bedroom apartment for the school principal and four single-bedroom apartments for teaching staff.

‎Aneke said the project reflected NAF’s commitment to supporting communities while remaining connected to the roots of its senior officers.

‎He urged the beneficiaries to maintain the facilities responsibly and called on residents to provide useful intelligence to security agencies.

‎The Chief of the Air Staff assured that NAF and other security agencies would continue working to protect lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

‎Speaking at the ceremony, Ebiowe, Superitendent of Standard and Eveluation Headquarters Nigerian Air Force described the project as significant to him, Biseni Town and the entire Biseni Clan.

‎He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Aneke as Chief of the Air Staff, saying the appointment facilitated the intervention.

‎Ebiowe said the project had transformed the school’s previously dilapidated educational infrastructure and would contribute to improving learning conditions.

‎He explained that the intervention comprised staff accommodation and a residential facility for the principal of the secondary school.

‎According to him, the initiative was conceived to promote stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and communities across the country.

‎Ebiowe said the NAF had remained committed to giving back to communities whose sons and daughters had contributed significantly to national development.

‎He expressed hope that similar projects would be extended to other communities across Nigeria.

‎The Bayelsa State Government commended the NAF for the intervention, describing it as an example of effective partnership in grassroots development.

‎The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, represented Governor Douye Diri at the ceremony.

‎Diri said the project aligned with his administration’s efforts to extend development and modern infrastructure to communities across the state.

‎He said the intervention would positively impact students while demonstrating NAF’s commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of Bayelsans.

‎The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, commended the NAF for the intervention.

‎Dakolo, who is also the Ibenanawei of Epetiama Kingdom, called for more infrastructure and development projects across the Niger Delta.

‎The traditional ruler also commended Ebiowe for remembering his alma mater and contributing to the development of his community.

‎The Principal of Biseni Secondary School, Mr Larry George, expressed appreciation to the NAF, Ebiowe and the Bayelsa Government.

‎George said the project marked a new chapter for the school and would inspire students to aspire to greater achievements.

‎As part of additional support, the SSG pledged a 3.5KVA solar power system for the school.

‎The General Manager of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, pledged computer sets for the school.

‎The Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, also pledged classroom desks, to be delivered within two weeks.

‎The commissioning ceremony featured the presentation of souvenirs to Governor Diri, Air Marshal Aneke, AVM Ebiowe and King Dakolo.

‎The project was subsequently commissioned by Ayawei, who represented the governor at the ceremony.

‎The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives promoting education, community welfare and mutual trust with host communities.

‎The school also pledged to sustain academic excellence and called for continued partnerships to provide students with 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.

‎Others included the Managing Director of BECL, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, and Director-General of the Bayelsa Due Process Bureau, Hon. Aaron Nicodemus Timiye.

‎The Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Council, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, and Paramount Ruler of Biseni, HRH David Obuma, also attended.

‎Traditional rulers, members of ANCOPSS and other community stakeholders were also present.