By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has further deepened its community engagement and people-centred development drive with the commissioning of a major educational facility and the launch of a medical outreach in Beeri community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The intervention, carried out on 11 December 2025 under the Chief of the Air Staff Special Intervention Project (CAS-SIP), reflects the NAF’s sustained commitment to improving the quality of life of host communities while strengthening civil–military relations. This was disclosed in an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Executed by a retired senior officer of the Service, Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (rtd), on the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, the project comprised the construction of a 500-capacity school assembly hall at Beeri High School and the flag-off of a three-day medical outreach for residents of the community.
The newly commissioned assembly hall fills a long-standing infrastructural gap at the school, which had previously lacked a standard multipurpose facility for assemblies, examinations and other academic activities. For years, students and staff were compelled to conduct school events outdoors, often exposed to harsh weather conditions. The new structure is expected to significantly improve the learning environment by providing a safe, spacious and functional venue for both academic and extracurricular engagements.
In addition to the educational intervention, the NAF also commenced a three-day medical outreach aimed at improving access to basic healthcare for indigenes of Beeri, with special focus on vulnerable groups. The outreach includes comprehensive medical screening, distribution of essential drugs and medicated eyeglasses, as well as the provision of crutches and walking aids. The initiative is designed to promote early detection of illnesses, address urgent health needs and ease the healthcare burden on families within the community.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the initiative as a deliberate non-kinetic effort to build trust and goodwill between the Armed Forces and the civil population. He said the projects were intentionally designed to directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians while complementing ongoing kinetic operations.
“These interventions reinforce cooperation and goodwill, which are essential for sustainable national security,” Gabkwet said, urging residents of Beeri to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence. He assured the community of the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property across the country.
The commissioning ceremony, coordinated by the Civil–Military Relations Branch in line with its mandate to oversee CAS-SIP activities, attracted a wide array of dignitaries. Among those in attendance were the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command; retired senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force; the Chairperson of the Defence Intelligence Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Jane Undiandeye; the Royal Father of Beeri community; and other prominent stakeholders, underscoring the broad support for the initiative.
In his remarks, the project facilitator, Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (rtd), expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to community development. He said the project represented both a personal fulfilment and a reflection of the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to education, healthcare and grassroots development.
“This intervention is not only about giving back to my roots, but also about leaving a lasting legacy that will positively impact education and healthcare in Beeri,” he said.
The Royal Father of Beeri community, in his response, commended the Nigerian Air Force for addressing long-standing educational and healthcare challenges in the area and offered prayers for continued success and wisdom for the Chief of the Air Staff in his leadership of the Service.
