Fubara donates Rivers helicopter to air force
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, officially handed over an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force to bolster national security efforts, enhance aerial surveillance, and improve emergency response capabilities.
The donation is also expected to contribute to increasing crude oil production, thereby boosting revenue for developmental purposes.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Wednesday, Governor Fubara emphasised that the gesture was purely security-driven and devoid of any political undertones.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to securing national economic assets, the governor noted that the donation aligned with efforts to enhance the efficiency and adaptability of security personnel operating in difficult terrains across the state.
“As a member of the committee responsible for ensuring the protection of critical national assets in the Niger Delta, it is incumbent on me to implement measures that guarantee success,” he said.
He further explained the rationale behind the donation:
“As part of our responsibility, we are required to provide basic support in the form of logistics for effective operations, not just for the Air Force but also for the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC, and the Directorate of State Security Services.
“Knowing fully well that we are saddled with this responsibility, we were confronted with this request that, having left our AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter here for so many years, we should donate it to the Air Force for optimum utilisation.”
Governor Fubara revealed that the helicopter, previously owned by the Rivers State Government, had been grounded due to a dispute with Aero Contractors, which had failed to remit agreed revenue after being given the aircraft for commercial purposes.
“There was a problem between Aero Contractors and the previous administration, leading to the helicopter being forcefully retrieved from them. Since then, it has remained abandoned here at the Air Force Base,” he explained.
He said following a request from the Chief of the Air Staff for the aircraft to be utilised for security operations, the Rivers State Executive Council deliberated on the matter and approved the donation.
“We agreed that the success of Air Force operations in securing critical assets is paramount to us and serves the interest of the state,” Fubara said.
The governor also underscored the economic benefits of increased crude oil production, emphasising the need to support national efforts to generate revenue for development.
“This donation is not a fearful decision but a worthwhile one. It demonstrates our unalloyed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in achieving improved revenue to address critical development challenges,” he stated.
Fubara reiterated that the donation was a transparent and sincere contribution to national security, devoid of ulterior motives.
“What we are doing today is a demonstration of our commitment. This is not politics. This is a sincere commitment to support the operations and success of Nigeria. We did not request anything in return. Our only request is that this donation should be adequately and effectively used to secure lives, national assets, and major operations in Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large,” he declared.
He further added: “We are doing this openly, not in secret, to let the world know that this is purely a support for the success of this country. We are happy that this is happening in our time and that history will record our administration’s dedication to securing lives and property.”
The governor also commended the Chief of the Air Staff for his commitment and acknowledged other areas of collaboration, such as resurfacing the Air Force Base runway and providing housing facilities.
“We will continue to do everything within our power to complement the Federal Government’s efforts. The President’s goal is to ensure that lives and property are safe, critical national assets are secured, and oil production levels are increased. We will not waver in our support for this cause,” he said.
Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, described the handover as a testament to the power of collaboration in strengthening national security.
“This generous donation of the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter exemplifies the cooperative approach needed to address contemporary security challenges. Given the evolving threats posed by non-state actors, such a gesture will enable a more responsive, agile, and capable force,” Abubakar said.
He highlighted the aircraft’s operational capabilities, stating, “The AW139 helicopter will significantly enhance our capacity for 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 Air Chief also reassured the public of the Air Force’s preparedness to maintain and optimize the use of the helicopter.
“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. We have already commenced comprehensive training programs for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilization of this helicopter,” he stated.
He added that the Air Force is reinforcing its maintenance infrastructure to guarantee the long-term serviceability of the aircraft.
During the event, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowei, expressed the Air Force’s appreciation for the donation, emphasising that it forms part of an ongoing collaboration aimed at enhancing operational capabilities.
“As we formally take delivery of this critical asset, I wish to reassure the Chief of the Air Staff and our strategic partners of our unwavering commitment to operational excellence. We will continue to leverage advanced training, stringent safety measures, and innovative approaches to maximise the effectiveness of this platform in fulfilling national security objectives,” Ebiowei said.
The formal handover process saw the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, signing the transfer documents on behalf of the Rivers State Government. Director of Works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi, signed on behalf of the Chief of Logistics, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
The documents were then sequentially handed over to the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, the Chief of Training and Operations, and ultimately, the Chief of the Air Staff.
