Jubilation as first flight lands in Ebonyi Int’l Airport

THERE was jubilation in Ebonyi State as two aircrafts from Air Peace successful landed in Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, on Thursday.

  The Air Peace Hopper, 5N-BXF, from Abuja ,landed at 3:45pm while Hopper 5N-BUY from Lagos arrived at 4:20pm at the airport.

  Governor David Umahi received the returnee flight passengers and addressed Ebonyi people gathered for the inaugural flight.

  Umahi recalled how badly neglected Ebonyi people were in the past, and attributed the present glories and achievements of the state to God’s providence.

  He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his tremendous support towards the success of the airport, and other capital intensive projects in the state.

  He commended the State Executive Council, the legislature, the judiciary and all who contributed to the success of the airport.

  Umahi also thanked his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi for providing him the door through which to excel.

  He noted 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 10 days.

  “For the project cost, this entire thing so far is N36 billion, including the equipment.

  “We have the best equipment in the whole country, and anybody can challenge us.

  “What is remaining now is the air field 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 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. He observed that commenting on 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.

  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.

  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 praised the design and quality of  the runway and other facilities in the airport as both unique and of the highest quality of standards.

  He however called for proper maintenance of the facility for greater durability.