News
FG Gets Kudos For Improving Air Force
The Federal Government has been commended for its determination to improve the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Forcec.
Making the commendation during the induction of the AGUSTA 109 Helicopter:into the Alr orce Inventory at the 305 Flying Training School, Enugu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Olusegun Oluseyin Petinrin , noted that attempts to regenerate the Nigerian Air Force as a vital instrument of national power are yielding results.
His words: “Efforts are on to increase our C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet. The
Mi 24/35 Atta7k Helicopter, the super Puma helicopters, the G-222s, the ATR-42 Maritime PaErol Aircraft and the Donier228 light transport and liaison aircraft.
“Similarly, the Alpha jets, the new F-7 NI combat aircraft will spoon start operations. Today’s occasion is to usher in the Augusta A 109 Light I Utility Helicopter / A 109 Executive into the service.”
Air Marshal Petinrin, who spoke through Air Vice Marshal
Edwin Allene Okafor, expressed happiness that the Nigerian~Air Force would attain and claim its rightful place~when all these platforms are
fully operational by the end of this year.
He stated that acquisition of the platforms are Agusta A 109LUH/E aircraft and deployment of Alpha Jet Fighters at the 305 Flying Training School, Enugu will enhance the Nigerian Air
Force capability to protect the nation’s maritime environment, as a single service or in joint operations with surface forces.
He, however, recalled with regrets that the Nigerian Air Force the nation and a dependable air power in the sub-region in the 1980s, but due to the lack of platforms and other challenges could not perform its constitutional roles.
“Our capacity for rapid response in the defence of our nation by air and in support of other security initiatives of government was thus blunted. “It is a well known fact that huge losses are incurred annually to illegal bunkering and exploitation of maritime resources along Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone. “It is, therefore, imperative that positive steps be taken to protect vast arine resources and,/indeed, our territorial integrity”, he further stressed.
Also in a welcome address, the Air Officer, Commanding Training Command, Air
Vice Marshal MD Umar, noted the decision to transform 305 Flying Training School into an international flying training school open to other services, the general public and sister African countries.
To governor Chime of Enugu State, who has picked a form to enroll as the first executive student pilot, AVM Umar said: “I can assure you, sir, you are in good hands.”
“Indeed this occasion calls for celebration, as it’s marks a mile stone towards the realization of the chief of Air Staff vision to rebuild the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force for effective and efficient employment as a vital instrument of national power in a rapidly changing world},” he said.
Governor Chime, on his brief part also commendd the chief of Air staff for his bold initiative to rebuild the Nigerian Air Force generally and the 305 Flying Training School, Enugu.
He assured the Air Force of the cooperation of his government at all times.
The high point of the ceremony was the testing of the two new helicopters, during which governor chime and some government officials were airlifted to ascertain the air worthiness of the aircrafts.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
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