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.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered 58 fraudulent companies operating as illegal investment schemes, defrauding Nigerians of their hard-earned money.

These companies, which masquerade as legitimate investment entities, were not registered with either the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information came from separate correspondences received by the EFCC from both regulatory bodies.

In a statement issued yesterday by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, the Commission revealed that it has already taken many of these companies to court.

Five of the companies have been convicted, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting a review of facts. The remaining cases are pending arraignment.

This crackdown is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s financial landscape and protect the public from predatory operators. The Commission has assured Nigerians of its vigilance in monitoring economic activities and its commitment to using its anti-corruption mandate to stimulate economic growth.

According to the statement, the full list of the 58 companies identified by the EFCC includes:

• Wales Kingdom Capital
• Bethseida Group of Companies
• AQM Capital Limited
• Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited
• Brickwall Global Investment Limited
• Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech
• Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited
• Richfield Multiconcepts Limited
• Forte Asset Management Limited
• Biss Networks Nigeria Limited
• S Mobile Netzone Limited
• Pristine Mobile Network
• Letsfarm Integrated Services
• Bara Finance & Investment Limited
• Vicampro Farms Limited
• Brooks Network Limited
• Gas Station Supply Services Limited
• Brass & Books Limited
• Annexation Biz Concept
• Maitanbuwal Global Ventures
• Crowdyvest Limited

Additional companies include:

• Jadek Agro Connect Limited
• Adeeva Capital Limited
• Oxford International Group
• Oxford Gold Integrated
• Skapomah Global Limited
• MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited
• TRJ Company Limited
• Farm4Me Agriculture Limited
• Quintessential Investment Company
• Adeprinz Global Enterprises
• Rockstar Establishment Limited
• SU Global Investment
• Citi Trust Funding PLC
• Farm Buddy
• Eatrich 369 Farms & Food
• Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited
• Farm Sponsors Limited
• Cititrust Credit Limited
• Farmfunded Agroservices Limited
• Adamakin Investment & Works Limited

The list continues with:

• Cititrust Holding PLC
• Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited
• Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited
• Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited
• Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited
• Farm 360 & Agriculture Company
• Requid Technologies Limited
• West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited
• NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins
• XY Connect Investment Limited
• River Branch Unique Investment Limited
• Hallmark Capital Limited
• CJC Markets Limited
• Crowd One Investment
• Farmkart Foods Limited
• KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited
• Holibiz Finance Limited
• Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services
• Servapps Nigeria Limited
• Barrick Gold Mining Company
• 360 Agric Partners Limited

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency warns residents in 19 states, the South-East, and coastal areas of impending heat stress.

The states that would be mostly affected, according to the agency, are; north-central and eastern states; Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, and FCT.

Other vulnerable regions are the South-West, coastal areas, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

The heat stress warning issued by the agency on Tuesday morning shows that the rising temperatures and high humidity levels over the next three to four days may cause thermal discomfort across several regions.

The agency warned that potential health risks include fatigue, irritability, reduced focus, impaired motor skills, and decreased productivity.

It urged residents in affected regions to take safety precautions.

“Stay cool by using fans, air conditioning, or shaded spaces, and dress light by wearing breathable clothing.

“Drink plenty of water, avoid peak sun hours (12 PM – 3 PM). VU Use sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.”