Gov Fubara Hands Over State Owned Helicopter To Air Force

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially handed over the State government owned helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force.

The donation serves to boost operations of personnel towards national security, aerial surveillance and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

The handover event took place at the Port Harcourt Base of Nigerian Air Force Base in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

This Since 2020, this Augusta Westland AW139 Helicopter was grounded since 2020 when misunderstood broke out between the State government and Aero Contractor.

Aero had the helicopter in its fleet but woefully failed to remit accruing revenue as duly agreed, which led to its withdrawal and grounded.

Governor Fubara said the Chief of Air Staff wrote to the State government requesting that the chopper be given to them to enhance their operations and when it was tabled before the State Executive Council, it was approved.

The eventual hand over, Governor Fubara said reinforces the commitment of the administration to safeguarding national economic assets by improving performance, efficiency and adaptability of personnel to difficult terrain,which the helicopter will provide.

“And, what we are doing today is a demonstration of our commitment. This is not politics. This is a sincere commitment to support the operation, and the success of Nigeria. 

“We did not request for anything, our only request is that this donation should be adequately and effectively used to secure life, to secure assets and majorly operation in Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.

“So, we are doing this today, officially handing over this assets of Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Air Force and we are doing it in the open, not in the secret. 

“We are doing it here to let the world know, we are not exchanging it for anything, it is purely a support to the success of this country.”

Governor Fubara pointed to immerse benefits an increased production level of crude oil will have on the general economic of Nigeria and specifically Rivers State.

The Governor urged them to dutifully deplore the helicopter to operations within Rivers State and Nigeria Delta region so that the gesture will truly complement  efforts by President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government in achieving improve revenue that will  address critical development challenges and the economy.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said the generous handover of the Agusta Westland 139 helicopter by the Rivers State Government to them, exemplifies the collaborative approach that is needed to strengthen national security.

He stated that such 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 Agusta 139 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 programs 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.”

Secretary to the Rivers State Government(SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo said the gesture of the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Fubara emphasised the commitment to ensure enduring security of life and property, particularly national economic assets.

In his address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshall E.O.E. Ebiowei, said the symbolises ongoing collaboration that has continued to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force that also included the provision of suitable accommodations and the facilitation of effective air operations from the Port Harcourt Base.