By Pastor Umo Eno
I boarded a flight from Uyo to Accra with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude to God.
This was no ordinary flight. It was Akwa Ibom’s first international service from the Victor Attah International Airport. A moment our heroes past dreamed of. A moment this administration was privileged to deliver.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, said it plainly. What we have built at VAIA is not just a terminal. It is a transit hub. The only one of its kind at any sub-national level in Nigeria. Nothing like it exists anywhere else in this country.
This terminal and nine other projects within the airport were delivered with fiscal discipline and the grace of God. We built it clean. Akwa Ibom owes no bank a single kobo for this achievement.
We will not stop here. The MRO facility will be completed. The Cargo Terminal foundation will be laid. The Aviation Village will be commissioned. We are building an aviation ecosystem that Akwa Ibomites will be proud of for generations.
This will open up more opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment, and make it easier for us to connect with other countries within the sub-region. It also puts Uyo in a strong position to host more conferences and business activities.
To give this sector greater focus, I have directed the creation of a standalone Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, and have appointed Engr. Uwem Ekanem to oversee the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner. Ibom Air will also receive a new Airbus A220 in June as we continue to expand our fleet and strengthen our aviation capacity.
I appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their support. I also acknowledge past leaders who laid the foundation for this achievement.
This is the Finisher’s Anointing at work. This is what happens when people believe, when a government delivers and when God shows up.
Uyo to Accra today. Akwa Ibom to the world tomorrow.
Africa, we are ready for you.”
