FG lauds A’Ibom ‘pace-setter’ Airport as maiden int’l flight takes off

By Emeka Samuel,Uyo

As the Victor Attah International Airport kick-starts international operations, with a maiden flight from Uyo to Ghana, the Federal Government has described the Airport as a transit hub, remarkably unique, and a pace setter in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus keyamo, made the remarks at a brief ceremony to celebrate and launch the maiden international flight from the airport last weekend.

Keyamo noted that Akwa Ibom State was gradually transforming into a regional hub in Nigeria given its superior infrastructural renaissance and the 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,” he explained.

“This kind of services do 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.”

He acknowledged the economic impact and ripple effects of the airport on the State and the country generally, describing them as massive and intense, commending Governor Umo Eno for his rare commitment to completing the project and actualising the international status.

In his remark, Eno attributed the success of the heartwarming revolution of the Airport to the visionary leadership of his predecessors.

“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.” He said.

Eno said the maiden international flight is meant to test run facilities at the airport while the actual commissioning of the new terminal would be performed by President Bola Tinybu and pleased for understanding and support from indegenes of the area to enable the facility achieve it’s purpose and potential.

He also appreciated Keyamo for his special interest and commitment towards the realization of the international status of the airport.

In their separate remarks, Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Emem Bob, Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem; Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Engr. George Uriese; and Chairman of the contracting firm VKS, Engr. Oliver Ebong, lauded the Governor for overcoming all challenges and pushing them positively to realize the project.