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We’re Donating Helicopter To NAF To Enhance Nigeria’s Security, Economic Rebound – Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the government is handing over Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strategically contribute to efforts to boost national security operations, enhance aerial surveillance and emergency response capabilities while increasing crude oil production to upscale revenue for development purposes.
The Governor said that the handover, which took place at the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Wednesday, reinforces the commitment of his administration to safeguard national economic assets by improving performance, efficiency and adaptability of personnel to difficult terrains in the State.
Governor Fubara explained that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that critical national assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria, domiciled in the Niger Delta are protected and secured to enhance increased oil production, it was incumbent on him to implement measures to achieve success.
He said: “And, as part of our responsibility, we are required to provide basic support in the form of logistics for effective operation, not just for the Air Force but including 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 Augusta Westland AW139 Helicopter here for so many years, to donate it to the Air Force for optimum utilisation.”
Governor Fubara stated that the helicopter, owned by the Rivers State Government, had been out of operation because the contractor (Aero) the government gave it to use for commercial purposes refused to remit agreed revenue.
He said, “So, there was a problem between Aero Contractor and the previous administration where this helicopter was forcefully retrieved from them. Since then, it has been abandoned here at the Air Force Base.
“When we received the request from the Chief of the Air Staff that they are interested, if we will be willing to donate it, for security operations, we didn’t hesitate. We brought it before the State Executive Council, we deliberated on it, and agreed that the success of the operations of the Air Force in securing critical assets is paramount to us, and serves the interest of the State.”
Governor Fubara pointed to immense benefits an increased production level of crude oil will have on the general economic wellbeing of Nigeria, and specifically, Rivers State.
The consideration, he said, was therefore, not frightful to make because the course for which it was being donated is worthwhile, and shows unalloyed support to President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government policy to achieve improved revenue to address critical development challenges.
He added, “And, 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 the success of Nigeria. We did not request for anything. 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.”
Governor Fubara also said: “So, we are doing this today, officially handing over this asset of Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Air Force, and we are doing it in the open, not in the secret. We are doing it here to let the world know that we are not exchanging it for anything. It is purely a support for the success of this country.
“We are happy that this is happening in our own time. We are happy that the records and history will have it that our administration paid serious attention to security of lives and property of our people in our time.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his commitment and noble request in that regard, and explained other areas that the State Government has continued to provide support like resurfacing the runway of the Air Force Base, and housing facility, which affirms the robust partnership that exists.
The Governor stated: “We will continue to do everything within our power to complement what the Federal Government is doing. What the President is doing is to ensure that lives and property of our people are safe, critical national assets are secured, oil production level is increased. We are not going back on it. We will continue to support that course.”
Formally receiving the helicopter, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said the generous handover of the Agusta Westland 139 Helicopter by the Rivers State Government to the Air Force exemplifies the collaborative approach that is needed to strengthen national security.
He stated that such gesture will ensure a more responsive, agile, and capable force to address contemporary security challenges, especially because the security landscape in Nigeria demands dynamic and proactive measures to counter the evolving threats posed by non-state actors.
He added, “The AW139 Helicopter will significantly enhance our operational capacity, particularly in 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 addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. 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.
“I am pleased to announce that the Nigerian Air Force has already commenced comprehensive training programmes for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilization of this helicopter. Furthermore, we are strengthening our maintenance infrastructure to guarantee the sustainability and serviceability of this asset in the long run.”
In his address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshall E.O.E. Ebiowei, said the Nigerian Air Force, is delighted to formally receive the donation of the AW139 Helicopter from the Rivers State Government, and stressed that the donation forms part of ongoing collaboration that has continued to enhance the operational capabilities of the Air Force that also includes the provision of suitable accommodation and facilitation of effective air operations from the Port Harcourt Base.
Air Vice Marshall Ebiowei said: “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 advance training, stringent safety measures and innovative approaches to maximize the effectiveness of this platform to fulfilling national security objectives.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo signed the hand over document onbehalf of the Rivers State Government while Director of Works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi signed on behalf of the Chief of Logistics, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
After the signing, Badamasi handed over the document to the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, who handed it over to the Chief of Training and Operations, who finally handed it over to the Chief of the Air Staff during the ceremony.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had lauded the courage and commitment of troops of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in North East Nigeria.
Abubakar gave the commendation during a morale-boosting visit to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, yesterday, in Abuja.
The CAS said their sacrifices were etched in the history of the nation, and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians who sleep safer because of the troops’ vigilance.
He emphasised that their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity have not gone unnoticed, saying his visit underscored the vital role airpower plays in neutralising threats and protecting communities.
Abubakar pledged continued investment in cutting-edge technology to empower frontline units.
According to him, the NAF remains steadfast in its mission, guided by leadership, strengthened by unity, and driven by the selfless service of its personnel.
The visit comes at a critical moment, reinforcing the importance of public support for military operations and spotlighting the human element at the heart of national defence.
Nigeria’s soft drinks and beverage market continues to show strong growth potential, making it the leading consumer of soft drinks in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association.
A statement by the VDMA disclosed during a press conference held in Lagos ahead of drinktec 2025, that Nigeria consumed over 53 billion litres of soft drinks in 2024, placing it well ahead of other African countries such as Ghana and South Africa.
Despite challenges such as inflation and a weakening naira, Nigeria’s growing population, rising urbanisation, and expanding middle class are key factors driving demand in the beverage sector.
Bottled water led the segment with 48.7 billion litres sold in 2024, a figure projected to rise by 27% to 62 billion litres by 2028.
Carbonated soft drinks followed with 3.4 billion litres, expected to reach 4.4 billion litres by 2028, while energy drinks are forecasted to grow by 30% over the same period. Juices, though relatively small, are also on an upward trajectory.
“The Nigerian beverage market is expanding quickly due to increasing accessibility and affordability,” VDMA stated, citing data from Euromonitor International.
Set to take place in Munich from 15 to 19 September 2025, drinktec is the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry.
VDMA, a key exhibitor and technical partner for the event, revealed that Nigerian participation is expected to be strong, especially as the country anticipates economic recovery.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has condemned the recent ban placed on a song by Nigerian musician, Eedris Abdulkareem, describing the development as a return to the culture of censorship and a threat to the right to free expression.
Abdulkareem had waxed a song titled “Tell Your Papa” which criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued from New York University, Abu Dhabi, yesterday, Soyinka criticised the action and its wider implications, saying it echoed past attempts to stifle artistic and socio-political commentary in Nigeria.
“Courtesy of an artist operating in a different genre – the cartoon – who sent me his recent graphic comment on the event, I learnt recently of a return to the culture of censorship with the banning of the product of a music artist, Eedris Abdulkareem,” Soyinka said in the piece posted on PM news.
He expressed irony in suggesting that the ban did not go far enough, stating, “It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is member, should also go under the hammer.”
Soyinka noted that he had not listened to the banned song but stressed that the issue transcends content and concerns a fundamental democratic principle.
“It cannot be flouted. That, surely is basic. This is why I feel that we should look on the bright side of any picture and thus recommend the Aleshinloye cartoon – and others in allied vein – as an easy-to-apprehend, easy-to-digest summation of the wisdom of attempting to stifle unpalatable works of art or socio-political commentary,” he said.
He also pointed out the irony that censorship often benefits the targeted artist.
The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him,” he added.
The literary icon warned that such censorship was not only counterproductive but also dangerous to democratic development.
“We have been through this before, over and over again, ad nauseum. We know where it all ends. It is boring, time-wasting, diversionary but most essential of all, subversive of all seizures of the fundamental right of free expression,” Soyinka said.
He warned that the ban creates “a permissive atmosphere of trickle-down power,” where state authorities feel emboldened to clamp down on dissent.
Soyinka’s statement also touched on broader issues of impunity and mob violence in Nigeria, lamenting the recent lynching of 19 youths in Edo State.
“My heart goes out to friends, colleagues and families of victims and traumatised survivors of this senseless slaughter. Our thirst for justice must remain unslaked,” he said.
Referencing the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, Soyinka criticised the culture of impunity, saying, “Identified killers were set free to gloat, and paste their photos on the Social Media… in full daylight glare, in the presence of both citizen voyeurs and security forces.”
He called for accountability, warning that “as long as the culture of impunity is given the sheerest strain of legitimacy in any given cause, such gruesome assaults on our common humanity will continue to prevail.”
Soyinka concluded by urging the relevant regulatory body to reverse what he described as a “petulant irrationality,” warning that any government that only tolerates praise-singers “has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss.”