Governor Eno Receives New Airbus A220-300, Announces Plans for New Aviation Village

 The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans for an Aviation Village near the Victor Attah International Airport.

Speaking at the airport during a brief ceremony to receive a new A220-300 series aircraft for the state-owned Ibom Air, the Governor said the growth and expansion of Ibom Air is worth celebrating and enjoined all Akwa Ibomites to always remain grateful to God for the airline.


He emphasized the need to always show gratitude, saying, “We will always gather to celebrate growth, hard work, commitment, and dedication because Ibom Air is the pride of Akwa Ibom State.”

“As part of our efforts to expand the aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom, we will, in the next few weeks, flag off the construction of the Aviation Village, an estate that will accommodate aviation workers because they need to reside near the airport as we are planning to operate 24 hours.”

“ housing estate will come with schools, hospitals, and other amenities so that all of our aviation staff will live close to the airport.”

Reflecting on the success story of the airline since its inception five years ago, Pastor Eno said, “Ibom Air remains a model of how best government should run business, and we will soon use the same model in the state-owned Specialist Hospital.”

In line with his promise to ‘connect the dots’ and put the facilities to rapid use, the Governor assured that “we are working towards ensuring the completion of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar, as well as the new international terminal building,” while also announcing plans to remodel the airport clinic in line with the new international standards of the airport.

He paid glowing tributes to the immediate past Governor and visionary of the airline business, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his resilience in establishing the airline, despite the barrage of criticisms that trailed the vision.

“He received a lot of attacks, like we are receiving now in some of the strategic projects we are bringing to the State. But he (Udom Emmanuel) was focused and undaunted. Today, even the worst critics of this airline, I see them on this airline.”

He noted that the airline currently owns seven aircraft, and none are leased, describing the feat as a product of vision and focus, which every leader should strive to imbibe.

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to supporting the state and its programs.

“I salute all of our past leaders: His Excellency, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, after whom the airport is rightly named, and His Excellency Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Senate President of Nigeria, for their pioneering roles in conceptualizing and constructing this airport and other facilities we find today in the state.”

Promising to always remain supportive of the airline, he said his government will continue to place a premium on tourism and other investment opportunities in the state, saying the state is the destination of choice.

He commended the security agencies, the royal fathers and religious leaders, the youths, and elders for their roles in keeping the state peaceful.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Mfon Udom, and the Chairman of Ibom Air, Mr. Imo Abasi Jacob, had said the arrival of an additional A220-300 series Airbus to the fleet of Ibom Air was a much-needed boost that would improve the efficiency of the airline’s flight schedule.


“Beyond adding two new destinations to the routes of Ibom Air later this year, the aircraft will boost services on existing routes,” said Captain Udom, who also thanked the financial partners, Fidelity Bank and Union Bank, who helped facilitate the acquisition of the new aircraft.

He said the new plane was different from the ten new A220-300 series aircraft previously ordered, and that when the nine remaining expected aircraft arrive, the airline would boast of 11 A220 airplanes.

Also speaking, Charles Nwoke, Executive Director, Risk Management, Fidelity Bank, identified “schedule reliability and in-house inflight service” as factors that make Ibom Air able to compete favorably with international airlines. On the basis of its reliability, Fidelity Bank is proud to support the growth and expansion of the airline.

“I commend the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his huge contribution in sustaining the vision of Ibom Air,” he said, while also commending Union Bank for financially investing in the purchase of the plane.

Prayers of goodwill were offered by the royal fathers in the state, who spoke through the President General of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers and Oku Ibom Ibibio, Dr. Solomon Etuk.










Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more