NAF Boosts Education, Civil-Military Relations With New Teachers’ Quarters in Bayelsa
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a special intervention project at Biseni Secondary School in Biseni Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and support community development.
The project, commissioned on Saturday, was executed in honour of Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, a distinguished indigene of Bayelsa State and alumnus of Biseni Secondary School.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the intervention was part of the NAF’s broader efforts to build trust, foster cooperation and strengthen partnerships between the military and host communities.
Aneke, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Bayelsa, Air Vice Marshal M.N. Onyebashi, said effective civil-military relations remained critical to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
He said the NAF was committed to implementing intervention projects capable of positively impacting host communities while creating an enabling environment for effective military operations nationwide.
According to him, more than 18 similar special intervention projects have been executed in communities across the country where senior NAF officers are serving.
The project, fully funded by the Chief of the Air Staff, comprises a two-bedroom apartment for the school principal and four single-bedroom apartments for teaching staff.
The initiative is in line with the CAS’s command philosophy of strengthening civil-military cooperation while contributing to the socio-economic development of host communities.
Diri commends NAF intervention
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, commended the NAF for the initiative, describing it as an example of effective collaboration among security agencies, government and local communities.
The governor said the project aligned with his administration’s commitment to extending development and modern amenities to communities at the grassroots.
He noted that the intervention would have a lasting impact on young people in the community and demonstrated the NAF’s commitment not only to national security but also to the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens.
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In his remarks, AVM Ebiowe described the teachers’ accommodation as an investment in education and the future of children in Biseni.
He said providing decent accommodation for teachers would improve staff retention and contribute to better learning outcomes in the community.
Ebiowe, whose late father was the pioneer principal of Biseni Secondary School, described the project as “a bridge between past and future generations” and a symbol of partnership between the military, government and the community.
Traditional ruler seeks more development
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanawei of Epetiama Kingdom, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, also commended the NAF for the intervention.
However, the traditional ruler expressed concern over what he described as the continued neglect of some communities in the Niger Delta, calling for increased investment in infrastructure and other basic amenities in Biseni Clan and across the region.
The Principal of Biseni Secondary School, Mr Larry George, thanked the NAF, AVM Ebiowe and the state government for the project, saying the improved facilities had opened a new chapter for the school.
He said the intervention would inspire students to “dream bigger and aim higher”, while strengthening the learning environment.
Government, stakeholders pledge additional support
The commissioning ceremony also attracted pledges of additional support for the school.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ayawei, pledged to provide a 3.5KVA solar power system, while the General Manager of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, pledged computer sets for the school.
The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, also pledged to provide classroom desks, with the items expected to be delivered within two weeks.
The event culminated in the presentation of special souvenirs to Governor Diri, the Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Ebiowe and King Dakolo, followed by the formal commissioning of the project by Prof. Ayawei.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national development through interventions focused on education, community welfare and stronger partnerships with host communities.
The school management, in turn, pledged to sustain its pursuit of academic excellence and called for continued support from government, security agencies and other stakeholders to provide students with access to quality, 21st-century education.
By PRNigeria
