By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in furtherance of its commitment to delivering impactful and sustainable social services to communities across the country, on 11 December 2025 commissioned a Special Intervention Project (SIP) in Beeri, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The project, executed by Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (Rtd) under the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), reflects the Service’s people-centred approach to national development and strengthened civil–military relations.
The intervention comprised the construction of a 500-seating capacity School Assembly Hall at Beeri High School, alongside the flag-off of a 3-day medical outreach for indigenes of the Beeri community.
The newly constructed assembly hall addresses the long-standing absence of a standard multipurpose facility for academic assemblies, examinations, and school activities, which were previously conducted outdoors irrespective of weather conditions. The facility is expected to significantly enhance the school’s learning environment by providing a safe, spacious, and functional venue for academic and extracurricular engagements.
Complementing the educational infrastructure upgrade, the 3-day medical outreach was initiated to improve access to essential healthcare services for community members, particularly vulnerable groups. The outreach features comprehensive medical screening, distribution of drugs and medicated eyeglasses, as well as the provision of crutches and walking aids. The initiative is designed to facilitate early detection of illnesses, address pressing medical needs, and reduce the healthcare burden on families within the Beeri 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 aimed at strengthening trust between the Armed Forces and the civil populace. He noted that “these projects are designed to directly touch the lives of ordinary Nigerians, reinforce goodwill, and complement our kinetic operations by fostering cooperation that is essential for sustainable national security.”
He further urged the people of Beeri to continue supporting security agencies through timely and credible intelligence, assuring that the NAF would remain steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property across the nation.
The commissioning ceremony, coordinated by the Civil–Military Relations (CMR) Branch in line with its mandate to oversee CAS-SIP activities, attracted several dignitaries. These included 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 distinguished guests, reflecting the broad stakeholder interest in the initiative.
In his remarks, the project facilitator, Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (Rtd), expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for the opportunity to give back to his community. He stated that “this project is not only a fulfilment of a personal desire to contribute to my roots, but also a demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to education, healthcare, and community development.”
He added that the assembly hall and medical outreach would leave a lasting legacy for Beeri, while the Royal Father of the community commended the NAF for addressing long-standing educational and healthcare challenges and wished the CAS continued success in his leadership endeavours.