Otti commends FG for approving Abia State’s airport project

December 18, 2024
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Governor Alex Otti has commended the federal government under President Bola Tinubu for “magnanimously” approving Abia State Government’s plan to build an airport in the State.
Governor Otti made the commendation when he and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, jointly performed the ground breaking ceremony of the new Abia Airport Project at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the State.

Otti expressing joy over the project said the federal government not only approved the initial plan to build an Airstrip in the state, but also “magnanimously” consented to the State Government’s proposal to expand the scope of the project to become a full fledged airport.

Otti said the new Airport, a signature project of his administration, in partnership with the federal government is expected, when completed, to transform the State’s transport system by enhancing connectivity through air-travel and providing job opportunities for Abians and residents through investments in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging partnerships and opportunities to drive sustainable development initiatives that would revolutionize the state’s socio-economic landscape.

Otti announced the planned development of an airport city, including the revitalization of the Nsulu Games Village and the establishment of hotels and other facilities to support tourism and business activities.

He thanked the land donor communities of Ubaha, Umuala, Ikputu, Umuosu, Umuezeukwu, Umuode and Umuomainta Nvosi for their generosity and support for the project and disclosed that the State has started preparation for payment of compensation to genuine land owners.

He announced that the project would be completed in 36 months and thanked all stakeholders who contributed to making the project a reality.

Speaking,  the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Keyamo, SAN, thanked Governor Otti for partnering the Federal Government in converting the project initially conceptualized as an Airstrip to a full fledged airport in addition to his commitment to provide all that is required including counterpart funding for the project.

The Minister, while noting that Abia is the heartbeat of industrialization of the South East region, described the airport as a veritable enabler for economic and social development.

He said it’s the vision of the federal government that Abia be connected to the rest of the world through the project and assured that the people of Nsulu community would be given first considerations in appointment and employment in the airport project.

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu described the airport project as part of  “deliberate” efforts by the federal government to develop the South East and Abia in particular.

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