Gov. Umo Eno: Expanding Ibom Air, Stimulating The Economy
The Evangelist edition, Friday December 8, 2023. By Ekemini James
The aviation industry is a salient enterprise as it remains the window through which we connect with the world. It brings economic benefits, improves connectivity between countries and continents. This enables businesses to grow and facilitates trade, which in turn, increases prosperity and very often opens up closed societies. Moreso, it plays an important role in reducing poverty through revenue generation and job creation.
The previous administration invested in air transportation to diversify economy, create a linking pathway to tourism, as well as achieve social, cultural and economic development.
Since government is a continuum and democracy as a form of government leverages on continuity to engender consistent development and progress in the society, Governor Umo Eno, since assumption of office has shown commendable commitment aimed at sustaining the programmes and projects initiated by previous administrations for the benefit of the people.
While taking delivery of one of the ten brand-new Airbus A220-300 series ordered by the state government for the expansion of the state-owned Airline, Ibom Air at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting the giant strides the airline has made in the past five years.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, Governor Eno said, “in under five years, Ibom Air has expanded its routes to major cities in Nigeria and recently started its commercial operations to Accra, Ghana. Plans are afoot to expand the routes into the East, Central and South African regions.
“My administration is dedicated to supporting the giant strides the airline has made. We have kept faith with all previous financial obligations entered into, with Airbus, by the immediate past administration and the result of that, is the event we are witnessing today. Government is a continuum. 1st Corinthians chapter 3: 6, captures this critical element of continuity succinctly, and I quote from King James Version “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”. We, will in our way, provide the increase. Since we came on board, we have provided the funds for the training of pilots and the deepening of the already first- class Cabin services of the airline.
“We have done extensive work on the Airside perimeter fencing of the airport, and the continuous funding of the 8.5 km Airside patrol road, which is now ready for commissioning. We have equally continued the funding of the parallel Taxiway Rapid Exit, the Apron Construction, International Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the VIP Car Park, Access Road into the Terminal Building and the underground drain alongside the CCTV Control and Command Center.
“Ibom Air was one of the first places I visited shortly after I was sworn in, and I had assured the management of the commitment of my administration to see to the expansion and growth of the airline. I have also, flown Ibom Air, as its Chief Marketing Officer, and what an exciting and pleasurable moment it was! To the Chief Executive Officer, our dear Captain Mfon Udom, please be kind enough to extend me an invitation to be a part of the inaugural flight on this beautiful aircraft. I will pay for myself and those to accompany me. “he said.
The Governor’s commitment to the growth and expansion of the aviation industry in the state is evident through his support for Ibom Air and the various infrastructure projects aimed at improving the Victor Attah International Airport.
His dedication to continuing the progress made by previous administrations and his personal involvement in promoting and utilizing the state’s airline reflects his strong belief in the economic and social benefits that a thriving aviation sector can bring. With his unwavering support and continued investment, the aviation industry in the state is poised for significant growth and development in the coming years.
