The Governor of Akwa Ibom State , Mr. Emmanuel Udom on Monday , disclosed that the state has become the reference point in aviation development in the country.
According to the Governor, the State is the only sub national with a thriving commercial airline in Nigeria and possibly Africa, noting that this should gladden the hearts of every Akwaibomite, hence determination to become the aviation hub in the sub region.
Gov. Emmanuel in his Easter celebration message on statewide broadcast as monitored by our correspondent , noted that the effect of Ibom Air, has made Akwa Ibom State the destination of choice for most Nigerians and others across the world, adding that It has generated thousands of employment for the people and has moved the State to the apex of tourism, thus improved ease of doing business index.
The Governor disclosed that plans are afoot to acquire more airbuses in the next few months to complement the existing seven aircrafts .
He said “Today, because we dreamed big and saw huge pictures, Akwa Ibom has become the reference point in aviation development. Our orange colours define the Nigerian aviation industry with Ibom Air, which has won every conceivable awards in aviation in its less than four years of existence.
” With a fleet of seven aircrafts, including five Bombardier 900 Series and two Airbuses, with more expected in the next few months, what was thought impossible eight years ago, today has been made possible. Our State is the only sub national with a thriving commercial airline in Nigeria and possibly Africa, and this should gladden the hearts of every Akwaibomite.
“Our determination to become the aviation hub of the Gulf of Guinea, has seen us construct what is arguably the best and the smartest airport terminal in the nation and indeed Africa, which would be commissioned soon.
“We have gone ahead to complete the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO,) facility a true foreign exchange earner, which we expect to also, commission soon. We also hope to commission the longest taxiway in the nation shortly as well.
“The effect of Ibom Air, today has made our State the destination of choice for most Nigerians and others across the world. It has generated thousands of employment for our people, it has moved our State to the apex of tourism, and improved our ease of doing business index.
” It can only get better and it would, in the coming years. Akwa Ibom is rising and we should all be proud .
While harping also on potentials under his administration in the last eight years, the governor reiterated that” Akwa Ibom today, is the destination of choice for most Nigerians. Our hotel occupancy rate is almost 100 percent. With Ibom Air and the attendant ease of doing business, the peace we enjoy here, our rich cultural heritage, our cuisine and our famed hospitable disposition our State is emerging as a tourism hub.
“The Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, which we opened a few months ago, has become a favorite place for tourists and you our dear people. It is good to hear the good stories coming from the hotel, how our people now spend family time with their children and spouses.
By Ryan Ajirioghene
