Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has donated an Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, to boost its capability in securing critical national assets.
The governor said that the handover, of the helicopter, on Wednesday, reinforces the commitment of his administration to safeguard national economic assets by improving performance, efficiency, and adaptability of personnel to the difficult terrains in the state.
Gov. Fubara explained that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that critical national assets, domiciled in the Niger Delta are protected, and secured, it’s his duty to implement measures to assist security agencies achieve their mandate s.
He said it’s the responsibility of his administration to provide basic support, in the form of logistics to security agencies in the state to enhance their operations.
“Knowing fully well that we are saddled with this responsibility, we were confronted with this request that, having left our Augusta Westland AW139 helicopter here for so many years, to donate it to the air force for optimum utilisation,” he said.
Gov. Fubara stated that the helicopter, owned by the state, had been out of operation because the contractor (Aero), which was using the helicopter for commercial purposes, failed to remit the agreed revenue.
He said “so, there was a problem between Aero Contractor, and the previous administration where this helicopter was forcefully retrieved from them. Since then, it has been abandoned here at the air force base.
“When we received the request from the chief of the air staff that they are interested, if we will be willing to donate it, for security operations, we didn’t hesitate.
“We brought it before the State Executive Council, we deliberated on it, and agreed that the success of the operations of the air force in securing critical assets, is paramount to us, and serves the interest of the state.”
Gov. Fubara pointed to the immense benefits that increased production level of crude oil will have on the general economic well-being of Nigeria, and specifically, Rivers State.
The consideration, he said, was therefore, not frightful to make because the course for which it was being donated is worthwhile, and shows unalloyed support to the federal government’s policy to achieve improved revenue to address critical development challenges.
“We are happy that this is happening in our own time. We are happy that the records, and history will have it that our administration paid serious attention to security of lives and property of our people in our time,” he added.
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Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the handover of the helicopter, exemplifies the collaborative approach that is needed to strengthen national security.
He stated that the gesture will ensure a more responsive, agile, and capable force to address contemporary security challenges, especially because the security landscape in Nigeria demands dynamic, and proactive measures to counter the evolving threats posed by non-state actors.
“The AW139 helicopter will significantly, enhance our operational capacity, particularly in tactical airlift, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.
“With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, this platform will improve our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.
“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet, further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives, and property of Nigerians.
“The operational effectiveness of any air asset, depends not only on its acquisition, but also on the availability of well-trained personnel and a robust maintenance support system.
“I am pleased to announce that the Nigerian Air Force, has already commenced comprehensive training programmes for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilization of this helicopter.
“Furthermore, we are strengthening our maintenance infrastructure to guarantee the sustainability, and serviceability of this asset in the long run,” the air chief added.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, signed the hand over document on behalf of the Rivers State, while the Director of Works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi, signed on behalf of the Chief of Logistics, Nigerian Air Force.
