By Victor Akaa
In a landmark ceremony at the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Cargo Airport in Kainji, Niger State, on Tuesday, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to secure critical national assets.
According to a statement issued by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information NAF, the CAS emphasized the interdependence of development and security, noting that military actions alone cannot eradicate insurgency.
He highlighted the Hydropolis Project’s potential to reduce insecurity in Niger State by creating job opportunities for youths, thereby preventing their involvement in criminal activities.
The CAS acknowledged the mutually beneficial relationship between the NAF and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), citing its (MESL’s) support for the NAF Base in Kainji through corporate social responsibility projects and the NAF’s provision of air patrols and reconnaissance to secure key power stations.
Chairman Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd) expressed gratitude to the CAS for chairing the ceremony, highlighting the win-win partnership between the NAF and MESL. He discussed the company’s new project, Hydropolis Investments Ltd, aimed at promoting the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone on the eastern bank of Kainji Lake.
The CAS also paid homage to HRH Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro IV, Emir of Borgu, thanking him for the Kingdom’s support as hosts of the 407 Air Combat Training Group (ACTG). He commended the unit’s critical role in training NAF fighter pilots and celebrated the 40-year partnership between the NAF and the Borgu Kingdom.
Background information on Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited reveals that the company was incorporated and licensed as a power-generating company in 2011. In November 2013, MESL acquired the Kainji and Jebba Hydro Plants (HPP) with a total installed capacity of 1338.4 MW through a concession agreement with the Federal Government.
The two hydro plants are cascaded 100km apart from the Kainji Dam, situated upstream of Jebba.
