The Federal Government has again been commended for establishing and siting the headquarters of the Airforce Mobility Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Governor Seriake Dickson made the commendation while formally receiving the new Air Officer Commanding the Command, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Idowu at Government House, Yenagoa.
Hon. Dickson noted that the presence of the Airforce would not only complement the efforts of other security agencies in maintaining peace and security but also provide support services to government particularly in the education and health sectors.
According to the Governor, the State Government eagerly awaits the establishment and take-off of command schools and hospitals run by the Airforce in the state.
Describing the Nigerian Airforce as a critical element in national defence, Governor Dickson reaffirms his administration’s determination to support the Mobility Command to enable it perform its duties effectively.
Sequel to an application by the Airforce, he said government has already allocated a large expanse of land to it and the Airforce Holding Limited as part of collaborative efforts in the building of critical infrastructures such as housing estates in the state.
Governor Dickson lauded the efforts of the out gone Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshall John Aprekuma and men of the command particularly during the flood disaster and wish him well in his future endeavours.
He expressed the hope that the new commanding officer would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the operations of the command and strengthen the existing cordial working relationship between the state government and the Airforce.
In his remarks, the new Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Idowu promised to strengthen what he calls civil-military relations in the state.
AVM Idowu also announced that the Chief of Air Staff has approved the conduct of tactical operations in the state as earlier requested by the Governor.
The exercise, he explained would not only enhance the professional competence of the Command’s personnel but also help it draw up planning guide to prepare for emergency situations like flood.
