Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has renamed the state’s airport, Ibom International Airport after a former governor of the state, Victor Attah who governed the state from 1999 to 2007.
Speaking at a state banquet organised in honour of former governor’s 80th birthday, Udom said the airport will now be known as Arc Obong Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, the naming of the airport after the former governor was sequel to a resolution passed by the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Nov. 19.
“Obong Victor Attah’s developmental strides during his eight years tenure such as the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, Ibom International Airport with Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, Ibom Hotel & Gulf Resort, Phase one of the State Secretariat Complex cannot go unnoticed,” Emmanuel said.
He commended Attah for his commitment to the development of the state, Niger Delta region and the country.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of Attah toward making the MRO unit of the airport functional in spite of his exit from office.
“Such demonstration of zeal, patriotism and forthrightness is worthy of emulation by all leaders.
“His doggedness for the actualisation of true federalism and resource control had paid off well for the state and the south south region with the result being tremendous increase in the revenue accruing to the oil bearing states.’’
He congratulated the former governor for making it to the age of 80 and prayed God to grant him good health and more years of existence to enable him impact more on the society.
Responding, Attah said that he will eternally remain grateful to Emmanuel and the people of Akwa Ibom for the respect accorded him.
Attah called on politicians to play politics devoid of rancour as the country prepares for the next general elections.
According to Wikipedia, the airport fondly called Mary Slessor Airport by the locals, is an airport serving Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria.
The first phase of airport construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2009. Akwa Ibom Airport opened on September 23, 2009, and the first scheduled passenger service commenced on December 2, 2009, when Arik Air began offering flights to Abuja and Lagos. The second construction phase began in 2012, and included the completion of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, the construction of an international terminal, and additional taxiways
