A’IBOM AIRPORT COMMENCES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, FG HAILS IT AS UNIQUE TRANSIT HUB
Read Time:2 Minute, 25 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has underscored the strategic importance of the Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a transit hub remarkably unique in the country.
The airport on Saturday began international operations with the airlift of its first passengers to Accra, Ghana.
On board the maiden flight were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; and other government functionaries.
The minister, who spoke during a brief ceremony held at the airport grounds before takeoff, said the facility is not just another airport but has the unique advantage of allowing passengers to transfer flights from international to international, domestic to international, and international to domestic.
He said such an advantage is not offered by any other airport in Nigeria, noting that Akwa Ibom is gradually transforming into a Dubai in Nigeria, given its infrastructural development and impact on the region and the country.
“This airport is not just one of those airports, not just a terminal building, but a world-class transit hub with immense impact.
“With this facility, passengers are afforded the opportunity of transferring their flights from international to international; domestic to international; and international to domestic.
“This kind of service does not exist in any sub-national anywhere in the country, but only here in this airport. This is not just the best; it is the only existing one, a pacesetter in the country,” Keyamo said.
He acknowledged the economic impact and ripple effects of the airport on the state and the country generally, describing them as massive.
The minister commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to completing the project and actualising its international status.
Eno attributed the success to the visionary leadership of his predecessors.
He said, “It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership: from Obong Victor Attah, to Chief Godswill Akpabio, to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and to me. They have individually contributed their own quotas in an exceptional way for our common good.”
The governor commended Bola Tinubu “for his love and timely release of funds to the sub-nationals to enable them execute projects, such as the Victor Attah Int’l Airport—a world-class transit hub.”
He also appreciated Keyamo for his interest and commitment towards the realisation of the international status of the airport.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Emem Bob, thanked Eno for his foresight and determination to upgrade the airport to international status.
In their separate remarks, the Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem; the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Engr. George Uriese; and the Chairman of the firm that handled the construction of the new terminal, VKS, Engr. Oliver Ebong, commended the governor for overcoming challenges and pushing them to realise the full potential of the airport.
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