The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said he felt very happy to return to Bayelsa State, where he once served as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command in Yenagoa before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.
Aneke described the visit as a “homecoming” when he led top officers of the Nigerian Air Force on a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa.
According to him, Bayelsa holds a special place in his heart because he served there earlier in his career.
He said the state has also been fortunate to produce several senior military officers. In the Air Force, he noted that about three or four former Air Officer Commanding officers who served in Yenagoa were later promoted to the highest position in the service.
Aneke explained that Bayelsa is not only an important strategic location for the country but also personally meaningful to him because of his past service in the state.
He added that during his time in Bayelsa, he witnessed the resilience, hospitality, and patriotism of the people. For this reason, he described the visit as both official and personal, saying it felt like returning to a community he respects and values.
The Chief of Air Staff also said his visit was part of his nationwide operational tour of Nigerian Air Force units and operational areas. The tour is meant to check the readiness of personnel, review ongoing security operations, strengthen cooperation between the military and civilians, and ensure the protection of lives and important national assets.
He also revealed that he was in the state for the inauguration and official handover of a training facility built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke thanked Governor Diri for the support and cooperation his administration has given to the Nigerian Air Force.
In his response, Governor Diri said Aneke served Bayelsa with integrity and worked closely with the government and the people while he was posted to the state.
The governor expressed confidence that Aneke would continue to represent Bayelsa well in his new position.
Diri also noted that many senior military officers who served in Bayelsa had been promoted because of their dedication, describing the state as a good place for military officers to grow in their careers.
He said although Aneke may be from another state by birth, the people of Bayelsa see him as one of their own.
The governor further stated that since he became governor, his administration has maintained a good relationship with the Nigerian Air Force and other military commands in the state.
He added that the Mobility Command and other service commanders have played an important role in maintaining peace and security in Bayelsa, and assured that his government will continue to support all military formations in the state.
