Bayelsa feels like home, says Chief of Air Staff on return visit …Governor Diri pledges continued support for military formations

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday described Bayelsa State as a place he considers home as he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

Aneke, who previously served as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mobility Command in Yenagoa, said his return to the state in his new capacity was both official and deeply personal.

The Air Force chief, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2025, said the visit evoked fond memories of his time serving in the state, where he experienced the hospitality and resilience of its people.

Leading a delegation of senior Air Force officers on the visit, Aneke described the trip as a homecoming, likening it to a son returning home after achieving success.

“Like a son who went out to win laurels, the first place to return to and be celebrated is home,” he said.

“As a son of Bayelsa, I felt it was important to come back and pay homage to the place where I received the promotion that eventually led to my appointment as Chief of the Air Staff.”

The CAS noted that Bayelsa holds strategic national importance and has also played a significant role in the careers of several senior Air Force officers.

According to him, a number of former Air Officers Commanding who served at the Mobility Command in Yenagoa were later elevated to top leadership positions within the Nigerian Air Force.

“Bayelsa is not only a strategic location of national importance but also a place that holds a special meaning for me,” Aneke said.

“Having served here previously and returning now as Chief of the Air Staff truly feels like a homecoming.”

He recalled that during his earlier posting to the state, he witnessed firsthand the patriotism and warmth of the people.

“This visit is therefore not just an official engagement but also a reunion with a community and family that I hold in very high regard,” he added.

The CAS explained that the visit formed part of his ongoing operational tour of Nigerian Air Force units and operational theatres across the country.

He said the tour was aimed at assessing the operational readiness of personnel, reviewing ongoing security operations and strengthening cooperation between the military and civil authorities.

According to Aneke, the exercise is also intended to enhance collaboration with host communities to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of critical national assets.

He further disclosed that his visit to Bayelsa would include the inauguration and formal handover of a training facility constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Nigerian Air Force.

The facility, he said, would help enhance the training capacity and operational effectiveness of the Air Force.

Aneke also expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government for the support and cooperation extended to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in the state.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri commended the Chief of the Air Staff for his professionalism and for the role he played during his previous service in the state.

The governor noted that Aneke worked closely with the state government and local communities while serving as AOC of the Mobility Command, describing him as a trusted partner in maintaining peace and security.

Diri expressed confidence that the Air Force chief would continue to represent the state positively despite not being a native of Bayelsa.

“You served here with integrity and worked in synergy with the government and the good people of Bayelsa State,” the governor said.

“Although you may biologically come from another state, we consider you one of our own and an ambassador of Bayelsa.”

The governor further observed that Bayelsa has often been a stepping stone for military officers who later rise to top leadership positions in the armed forces.

He described the state as a “fertile ground” for career advancement in the military.

“Many senior military officers who served here have gone on to achieve greater heights.

“Those coming to serve in Bayelsa should know that this is a place where dedication and service are recognised, ” he said.

Diri also assured the Air Force leadership of his administration’s continued support for military formations operating within the state.

He said the state government has maintained a cordial working relationship with the Air Force and other security agencies since he assumed office.

According to the governor, commanders of the Mobility Command and other security formations have played a vital role in ensuring peace and security across Bayelsa.

He therefore reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the military in safeguarding lives and property in the state.