The Nigeria Airforce has proposed to play a major role in the health sector in Rivers State by taking over the state’s Mother and Child Specialist Hospital situated adjacent to the airforce base in the state.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke made the proposal on Thursday, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
“In most developed climes, military hospitals are the most sophisticated. Currently, about 80% of the outpatients visiting our base hospital are members of the host community.
“Transferring the Mother and Child Hospital will enable us to maximise that facility while easing access during emergencies,” he said.
According to the airforce chief, Rivers State remains one of the strategic states in the country, giving its central role in oil and gas production and it’s importance in maritime activities.
He added that the air force, has a critical role in securing oil and gas infrastructure and key national assets in Rivers State.
“It is a duty we proudly perform. Our effort here has contributed to improved production and by extension increased revenue for both Rivers State and the federation.
“I will like to sincerely appreciate you and the good people of Rivers State for the strong and consistent support you have extended to the Nigerian Air Force over the years.
“You have been a wonderful host, you have treated us in the most amiable way and we assure you that we will continue to be here to serve and protect your interest as people of Rivers State,” Aneke said
Air Marshal Aneke commended the state government for the rehabilitation of the runway at the air force base, as well as the handover of an Augusta (AW) 139 helicopter and other forms of support in infrastructure, accommodation and logistics.
He urged the state government to embrace modern, surveillance-driven security systems to stay ahead of oil thieve, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements in the society..
“I would like Rivers State to fight smart. It’s no longer about the numbers now; it’s about the mode of operation. In today’s warfare, drones and UAVs have changed the game.
“You can have a drone in the air for two days, no refueling, and in five minutes tell the police where to position themselves,” he said.
Speaking, Governor Fubara reaffirmed the support of his administration for the Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) for security in the state.
Gov. Fubara recalled that Rivers State and the Nigerian Airforce have been “very wonderful partners,” over the years, adding that successive administration’s have continued to maintain that age long relationship.
“My predecessors have always shown good collaboration, good working relationship with the Nigeria Airforce.
“You remember some many years ago when the international airport was shut down, it was the NAF Base that provided us access to air transportation within that period untill the international airport was rehabilitated and reopened.
“So, my administration, supporting the Nigerian Airforce is not a mistake, it is continuing that particular relationship, understanding and vision predecessors had before I came in. So I didn’t need to blink or think over it.,” he said
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The governor said that the recent donation of the Augusta 139 helicopter to the NAF was a decision of the State Executive Council which took into consideration the fact that the asset which was lying dormant but will be useful to the NAF in its task of providing security for the state.
Gov. Fubara disclosed that the upgrade of the runway at the NAF base also provides the security agency with the discrete environment required for sensitive operations that would otherwise be exposed if done at a public facility such as the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Gov. Fubara who also addressed the broader role of the military in society, said he was delighted to see people who are providing security, also talking about education, and the health of the people in their host communities.
He promised to look into the requests made by the chief of air staff on the possible handover of a public school and a health facility to the NAF in order to put them to better use.
