Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa State governor, on Friday, September 2, 2016, saluted the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, for making strategic investments aimed at improving the welfare and professionalism of its personnel in the state.
Governor Dickson gave the commendation at the commissioning ceremony of 8 of its projects embarked upon by the Air Force at the Mobility Command, Yenagoa.
The projects are, 235 Base Service Wing Complex, Medical Centre, Provost Squadron, Officers’ quarters, Joint Airmen Mess, CAWO/RSM residential complex, Airmen quarters and Commander’s residence.
Speaking shortly before the commissioning, Dickson expressed surprise at the level of achievements the command has recorded within a short period of its establishment.
He called on all tiers of government including the National Assembly to continue to support the nation’s security agencies to effectively perform their role of securing lives and property.
The governor expressed his administration’s preparedness to partner with the Nigerian Air Force in the area of establishing educational facilities and other critical infrastructure, assured that government would provide additional land for the purpose.
In his remarks, the chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar said the projects was in fulfillment of impact directly on the welfare and enhance professional competence of its personnel.
According to him, the ultimate aim is to build a self-sustaining base to meet the residential, social and administrative needs of its personnel through prudent use of scarce resources.
Abubakar who expressed determination to collaborate with other security agencies to combat security challenges facing the country, said plans are on to provide a Cancer Screening Centre in some states including Bayelsa.
Also speaking, the special guest of honour, Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (Rtd), lauded the current leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for its resourcefulness at enhancing welfare and professionalism in spite of funding constraints.
While charging the Armed Forces on the need to intensify efforts at safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation, Koinyan tasked them on discipline and loyalty to the government of the day irrespective of ethno-religious differences.
