The Acquisition Of Aircraft For Commercial Services Instead Of Private Jet: The Greatest Act Of Patriotism And Selflessness 

HON WISDOM ONIEKPAR IKULI 

While many incumbent and former state governors are acquiring private jets, Gov. Douye Diri that has only few years in office, decided to acquire an aircraft for the state government for commercial flight.

Sadly, instead of commending and celebrating the good works, many were rather concerned about the inscription on the aircraft.

Some raised questions about the SDD and Sampou on the aircraft.

Many do not know that every aircraft or helicopter has numbers like vehicle plate and chasis numbers. The above are some of the unique means of identification outside the engine numbers and others.

Every vessel, ship, cargo including submarines, have unique identification numbers. That is exactly the case with every aircraft or helicopter.

Beyond the number of the aircrafts, owners of aircrafts also write some unique names that attract attention.

For example, most Air Peace aircrafts have unique native names on them.

Sampou is one of the communities in Bayelsa State. Some argue that instead of Sampou, they should have used Yenagoa. Others would have argued against the use of Yenagoa. We would have preferred the use of Ogbia where Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli came from or they should have used the names of all communities in Bayelsa State to design the body of the aircraft and make it very childish and ridiculous.

People must learn to commend leaders instead of endless destructive criticisms.

Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha received unimaginable criticisms when he established the Niger Delta University (NDU) and even when he started the construction of the Yenagoa-Amassoma road.

Today, NDU has graduated thousands of some of the best graduates in this country who are doing well in their various endeavours. In the same vein, we can not measure the socio-economic value of the Yenagoa-Amassoma road. Amassoma is one of the most developed and most populated towns in Bayelsa State due to the presence of the university and motorable road.

Otuoke, Toru-Orua, Sampou and other communities are now benefiting from the Amassoma experience and example.

I am optimistic that in the near future, Bayelsa Air shall emerge as one of the most outstanding airlines in the country. When Ibom Air came onboard, people criticized, cursed and called the Akwa Ibom State Government names. Today, it prides herself as the best state owned airline with many aircrafts in her fleet. I am very sure, a time will come when many communities and even names of prominent Bayelsans shall adorn our state owned airline.

Let us commend Gov. Douye Diri for his giant strides that are always projecting the state in positive light. Let us also pray that he will finish very strong.

Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli

28/11/2025.