News
Insecurity: Tinubu Inducts Two Combat Helicopters
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting the insecurity plaguing the country.
The president stated this when he inducted two T129 Attack Combat Helicopters and one King Air Beechcraft 360ER mobility aircraft for use by the Nigerian Air Force.
Represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, the president said that the acquisition of the helicopters and the induction symbolises the commitment of his administration to the nation’s security.
The induction ceremony was held at the 131 Engineering Group Hanger, Nigeria Airforce Base, Makurdi.
The President said that the acquisition and induction of the new platforms would now improve NAF’s airpower in the ongoing war against terrorism.
He acknowledged that since its establishment in 1964, “NAF has been playing a critical role in the nation’s security, international operations, and humanitarian needs.
“Let me commend the Chief of Air Staff, Officers, and men for their commitment to enhancing national security, I assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to support NAF and another military, indeed, the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards combating terrorism, oil theft and other criminal activities.”
Tinubu said that substantial progress had been achieved in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts but noted that there should be no cause for celebration yet until the security challenges are fully addressed.
He called for a change in mindset, strategy, and tactics in addressing the menace.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said that NAF had taken delivery of no fewer than seven aircraft.
He listed the new aircraft to include two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.
The CAS, however, expressed assurance of NAF’s plan to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months
The CAS disclosed that currently, 170 NAF Pilots and 533 technicians are undergoing training locally and internationally.
In his remark, Minister of Defence, Mohamed Badaru, commended Tinubu for his foresight and dogged support of Nigeria’s armed forces.
He said the induction of the newly acquired aircraft is the testimony of the President’s resolve to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country and charged the personnel to handle them with care and always maintain them for efficient air operations.
Experts at the event said that the T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries in partnership with Leonardo SPA.
The helicopter, it is understood, is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.
Highlights of the event were the signing of the handing over documents and aerial display by the T129 Attack Combat Helicopter.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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