The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended the improved safety situation in the Niger Delta, attributing it partly to the support provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to security agencies operating in the region.

Aneke praised the current board and management of the NDDC for their collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security agencies in strengthening security and stability in the oil-rich region.

The air chief gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he highlighted several development projects executed by the commission in support of security operations.

He said: “Let me seize this opportunity to commend the NDDC for its support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies. We can see the good work the commission is doing, such as the provision and installation of solar lights and the supply of 713 solar inverters, which have enhanced safety and operational efficiency in the region.

“The commission also donated a multi-purpose facility to the Nigerian Air Force at Kolo-Otuoke in Bayelsa State. The facility now houses one of our Schools of Administration and Management, as well as physical education and skills acquisition centres. These were relocated from Kaduna State as a mark of appreciation for the commission’s support.”

Aneke noted that the objectives of the NDDC, which are anchored on promoting socio-economic development in the Niger Delta, align with the Nigerian Air Force’s mandate of providing a secure environment for national growth and development.

He added that the training centre would offer opportunities for Nigerians, foreigners and staff of the commission to acquire administrative and management skills.

The air chief also appealed to the NDDC board to consider rehabilitating and equipping Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centres with modern facilities to enable them serve as training hubs.

He further sought the commission’s intervention in providing accommodation for Air Force personnel serving in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba and Warri.
Responding, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission, as an interventionist agency, remained committed to partnering with both public and private institutions in areas of development, particularly security.

“Terrorism is like a virus, and if not curtailed, it can spread to other parts of the country. But I want to commend the Nigerian Air Force because, since you assumed office, you have risen to the challenges posed by insecurity,” Ogbuku said.

He noted that the commission’s support to security agencies was necessary because sustainable development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

“What we do in the Niger Delta is to support the security agencies because there can be no development without peace. It is a collective responsibility, and we are ready to sustain this collaboration because the President desires peace in this part of the country,” he added.

Ogbuku also highlighted the impact of the commission’s “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which he said had illuminated many communities across the region, helping to reduce criminality and boost economic activities.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for maintaining facilities donated by the commission and appreciated the force for allowing NDDC staff to benefit from training opportunities at the School of Administration and Management relocated to the region.

Ogbuku assured that the partnership between the commission and the Nigerian Air Force would continue to strengthen peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.