Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has described the approval of an airstrip in the state by the Nigeria Air Force as a project that would fast track development in the state and accordingly announced the donation of land to the Mobility Command as well as the Nigerian Navy to enhance their operations.
The governor announced this, when he received the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshall Samuel Abosede and the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Peter Agba in his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
Hon. Dickson said, the land approved for the Central Naval Command would also be used for the construction of its permanent site, research institute and other social amenities such as hospitals and schools.
Responding to the request made by the flag officer Commanding, the governor said, ”we had some discussions with your former Chief of Naval Staff, where we talked about the need for Naval schools here.
“I know that Naval schools are usually very good and so we have already made land available. However, there are some issues emanating from your headquarters as to what our contributions in developing that school should be. So, we are in the process of working out appropriate contributions we can make.
According to Governor Dickson, the Airstrip, when completed, will service the military personnel in the state, pending the completion of the cargo Airport under construction, which is to be completed by the end of next year.
Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Air Force for the project, the state Chief Executive intimated the military officers of the progress of work done so far on the N25 billion cargo airport project, which is a collaboration between the State and Federal Governments.
The Governor, who said, land preparation for the project was underway, noted that, clearing of the site, sand-filling and construction of the runway would require N2 billion, which he remarked was being handled by the State Government.
He noted that, no amount of investment in security should be considered too much, in view of the supportive role it plays in national development and stability.
The governor said, though, concerted efforts of his administration have succeeded in reducing crime rates in the upland areas of the state, government was still contending with security challenges such as sea piracy, kidnapping and crude oil theft on the waterways.
“We are a littoral state and so, we cannot discount the contributions and relevance of the Nigerian Navy. I therefore, count on your continued support in terms of mobilizing your officers and men to ensure the protection of our waterways
In their separate remarks, the Air officer Commanding, the Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshall Samuel Abosede and the Flag Officer Commanding, the Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Peter Agba, thanked the governor for his support and assured him of their readiness to partner with other security agencies to combat crime in their area of jurisdiction.
Rear Admiral Agba solicited the state government’s support in the provision of logistics and the construction of a jetty at the Forward Operating Base, Cape Formosa in Brass local government area of the state.
