The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the State Government under Governor Alex Otti yesterday performed the ground breaking ceremony of the new Abia Airport Project at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the state.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony held at the Community School Ubaha Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging partnerships and opportunities to drive sustainable development initiatives that would revolutionize the State’s socio-economic landscape.
“We made a commitment that under our watch Abia will never let any promising opportunities slip by whether it is collaborating with multi lateral partners, Federal government and it’s agencies, sister States, business organizations and individuals who have something of value to offer us.
“We are constantly open to making the most of the opportunities we find because there lies the path to sustained progress.
“This philosophy explains why we have explored the channels of engagements with the international development partners and effectively reposition our state for first line considerations”, Gov Otti stated.
Governor Otti while commending President Bola Tinubu for his practical commitment to the rapid social economic development of the South East Geopolitical Zone, said the project is aimed at further placing Abia on the global business map.
He added that the President not only approved the initial plan to build an Airstrip in the State but also magnanimously consented to the State Government’s proposal to expand the scope of the project to become a full-fledged Airport.
Governor Otti also made Public the planned development of an Airport City, including the revitalization of the Nsulu Games Village and the establishment of hotels and other facilities to support tourism and business activities.
The Governor who addressed criticism about the timing and relevance of the airport project, emphasized its strategic importance for Abia’s long-term prosperity noting that the Airport project is an integral part of his administration’s urbanization agenda and a catalyst for economic transformation.
“In the new Abia, an airport is not just an important project for the long term prosperity of the state, it is an integral component of our vision to open the State to the world.
“We are poised to turn Abia into a major destination hub. An airport in Abia particularly at this location will not only accelerate our urbanization agenda beyond ABA and Umuahia, it will also send a clear signal to the world that we are open and prepared to rise to a higher plane in the race for social and economic transformation of our homeland.
“This airport will therefore serve a new advantage to the appeal of Aba as an important destination in the West African sub region.
“The volume of investments we anticipate and the projected influx of high network individuals for businesses, conferences and events it even for holidays, investing in an airport is certainly a right decision.
Governor Otti thanked the people of Ubaha, Umuala, Ikputu, Umuosu, Umuezeukwu, Umuode and Umuomainta Nvosi for their generosity and support for the project, adding that the State has started preparation for payment of compensation to genuine land owners.
He announced that the project would be completed in 36 months time and thanked all stakeholders who contributed to making the project a reality.
Performing the grand breaking ceremony of the Airport for the Federal Government, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Chief Festus Keyamo said that the Abia Airport was first conceptualized as an Airstrip by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while Governor Alex Otti partnered with the Federal Government in converting the project to a full Airport with firm promise to provide all that is required including counterpart funding and others.
Chief Keyamo while noting that Abia is the heartbeat of Industrialization of the South East region, described the Airport as a veritable enabler for economic and social development.
He said that it is the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Abia be connected to the rest of the world through the project and assured that the people of Nsulu Community would be given first consideration in appointment and employment in the Airport Project.
In his speech, the Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives,Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu said that President Tinubu is deliberate about the development of the South East and Abia in particular, saying that he is the only President that assented to the South East Development Commission.
While describing Governor Otti as a governor that understands synergy, Rt Hon Kalu assured that the National Assembly would ensure enough funds are appropriated to support the Airport project, which he said is of economic importance.
Also Speaking, the Minister for State for Labour, Dr Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and a Stakeholder, Prince Benjamin Apugo while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interest in giving the South East region a sense of belonging, applauded the landmark achievements of Governor Alex Otti within the period under review.
In their remarks earlier, the Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu and his Lands and Housing Counterpart, Mr Chaka Chukwumereije while describing the Airport project as a gateway to the world,a catalyst for economic and sustainable growth , added that the Airport project would be situate on a – one thousand,three hundred and twenty five hectares of land while compensation will be duly paid to the land donors.
In their speeches, the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe and a Stakeholder in the Area, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe called on the host Community, the Nsulu people to cooperate with the State Government for the smooth take off and completion of the project in record time pointing out that the Administration of Governor Alex Otti meant well for the people of Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
Correspondent reports that the ceremony attracted the presence of distinguished Nigerians including representative of the Chief of Air Staff, the Speaker Abia House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa, Secretary to Abia State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Members of the state executive council and host of other personalities in the Nigerian polity.
