Bayelsa Is Home, Says Air Chief Aneke as Diri Pledges Continued Support for Military

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday described Bayelsa State as home, expressing deep nostalgia during his first official visit to the state since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.

Aneke, who previously served as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command, Yenagoa, said the visit felt like a homecoming as he led top officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a courtesy call to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

Speaking during the visit, the Air Chief likened his return to that of a son who went out to earn laurels and returned home to celebrate with his people.

“As a son of Bayelsa, I am in the state to pay homage where I got promoted to Chief of the Air Staff,” he said.

Aneke noted that Bayelsa holds strategic national importance and also occupies a special place in his heart, having served there and experienced the hospitality and patriotism of its people firsthand.

“This state has been privileged to produce service chiefs. In the Air Force, three or four former AOCs here have risen to the top position,” he stated.

“Bayelsa is not only a strategic location of national importance, but it also has a special meaning for me. Returning here in my present capacity feels deeply personal — a reunion with a community and family I hold in very high esteem.”

He explained that the visit formed part of his ongoing operational tour of NAF units and operational theatres across the country to assess personnel readiness, evaluate security operations, strengthen civil-military relations, and ensure the protection of lives and critical national assets.

The CAS also disclosed that he was in the state for the inauguration and formal handover of a training facility built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his administration’s continued support and cooperation with the Air Force and other security agencies in the state.

In his response, Governor Diri commended the Air Chief for his integrity and synergy with the state government during his tenure as AOC, expressing confidence that he would continue to serve as a worthy ambassador of Bayelsa.

“You served in partnership with the government and the good people of Bayelsa State. We have no doubt that you are indeed our own and an ambassador of Bayelsa,” Diri said.

“Biologically, you may be from another state, but we see you as a gentleman from Bayelsa. This is a fertile ground for promotion, particularly in the military.”

The governor further assured that his administration would sustain cordial relations with the Air Force and other military formations, noting that their contributions have enhanced peace and security in the state.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting all military commands operating within Bayelsa.