Ebonyi State International Airport built by the outgoing administration has received its first flight landing.
The Aircraft, Air Peace Hopper, 5N-BXF from Abuja landed at the airport on Thursday 27th April 2023 at 3.48 Pm, amidst cheers from Ebonyi people gathered for the inaugural flight.
Another Air Peace flight, Hopper 5N-BUY consequently followed from Lagos which arrived about 30 minutes after.
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The Executive Governor of the state, David Nweze Umahi who received the flight passengers addressed the gathering in high spirits, recalling how badly Ebonyi people were neglected in the past, and attributed the present glories and achievements of the state to God’s providence.
Governor Umahi appreciated the tremendous support of President Muhammadu Buhari towards the success of the Airport, and other capital intensive developmental projects implemented in the state.
Also appreciated was the overwhelmed efforts of State Executive Council, the Legislature, the judiciary and all who contributed to the success of the Airport.
The outgoing Governor specially thanked his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi for providing him the windows through which to excel.
Governor Umahi pointed out that the Airport would be handed over to the Federal government for concessioning in order to keep it running effectively, adding that Buhari would be visiting to officially commission the Airport in the next ten days.
Governor Umahi said that the cost of the Airport project is 36 billion naira, including the equipment.
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In his words, “For the project cost, this entire thing so far is 36 billion naira, including the equipment.
“We have the best equipment in the whole country, and anybody can challenge us.
“What is remaining now is the Airfield and run way lighting which we have paid for. We needed to have this place to be the best to meet all standards.”
Governor Umahi further said that the state government would offer free flight to passengers travelling to Abuja and Lagos from the Airport within the next four weeks.
In his remarks, the former Governor of the State, Chief Martin Elechi applauded the Governor for his doggedness and achievement of the project, observing that the Airport would consume many days and books of eulogy.
Elechi described the naming of the airport after President Buhari as most appropriate, going by his various contributions and historical impact in the development of the state.
He added that such an edifice wherever it is located always brings innumerable development.
Mr. Collins Oti who represented the Chairman and Chief Executive of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyeama, said it was highly exciting landing at the airport, and commended the state government for such a huge initiative.
The General Manager, Aerodrome Services, Oladipo Adebayo, who represented the Director, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, described the Airport as one of its kind in the country. He appreciated the design and quality of the runway and other facilities in the airport as unique and of good quality.
He however called for proper maintenance of the facility for greater durability.
The Ebonyi State Governor-elect, Francis Nwifuru and the Senior Special adviser to the Governor on Aviation Services, Mrs. Obianuju Aloh, respectfully also eulogized the Governor, describing the Airport as a great driver of economy and tourism.