The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a Special Intervention Project (SIP) in Beeri, located in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
This initiative aims to enhance the welfare and socio-economic conditions of the host community, further demonstrating NAF’s dedication to providing meaningful and sustainable social services across the country.
In a statement, the Air Force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed that the project, carried out by Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (Rtd) under the guidance of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), embodies the Service’s focus on a people-centered approach to national development and improved civil-military relations.
He explained that “the intervention included the construction of a 500-seat assembly hall at Beeri High School and the launch of a three-day medical outreach for the residents of the Beeri community.”
“The newly built assembly hall addresses the long-standing lack of a standard multipurpose venue for academic assemblies, examinations, and school activities, which were previously held outdoors regardless of the weather,” he mentioned.
Ejodame emphasized that the new facility is set to significantly improve the educational atmosphere by offering a safe, spacious, and functional place for both academic and extracurricular activities.
In addition to enhancing educational infrastructure, the three-day medical outreach was organized to provide essential healthcare services to community members, focusing especially on vulnerable populations.
The outreach program includes comprehensive medical screenings, the distribution of medications and eyeglasses, as well as the provision of crutches and mobility aids.
“The goal of the initiative is to enable early identification of health issues, meet urgent medical needs, and alleviate the healthcare burden on families in the Beeri community,” Ejodame added.
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Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, characterized the initiative as “a purposeful non-kinetic effort aimed at building trust between the Armed Forces and the civilian population.”
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet stated that “these initiatives are intended to directly impact the lives of everyday Nigerians, strengthen goodwill, and complement our operational activities by encouraging cooperation that is vital for sustainable national security.”
He also urged the community of Beeri to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring them that the NAF remains committed to its constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property across the nation.
In his comments, the project facilitator, Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (Rtd), expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for the chance to contribute to his community.
Keenam remarked that “this project represents not only the fulfillment of a personal wish to give back to my roots but also a manifestation of the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing commitment to education, healthcare, and community development.”
He added that the assembly hall and medical outreach would serve as a lasting legacy for Beeri, while the Royal Father of the community praised the NAF for tackling long-standing educational and health issues, wishing the CAS continued success in his leadership role.
The commissioning event, organized by the Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Branch in alignment with its responsibility to manage CAS-SIP activities, drew several dignitaries, including the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (FOC NAVTRAC), retired senior officers from the three Armed Services, the Chairperson of the Defence Intelligence Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Jane Undiandeye, the Royal Father of Beeri Community, and other notable guests, highlighting the significant interest from various stakeholders in the initiative.
