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Enugu Airport: Nzuko Umunna thanks Buhari on reconstruction, reopening
…Urges equal zeal in completing passenger, cargo terminals
BY NICHOLAS ABE
Leading Igbo think tank, Nzuko Umunna, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, on the successful reconstruction of the runway and scheduled reopening of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, today, August 30, 2020.
The group also commended the Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and the governors of the South East states for their efforts in seeing the project through, one year after the airport was closed to both international and domestic operations.
Nzuko Umunna said it was “highly delighted” at the reopening of the airport which was shut for reconstruction on August 24, 2019, over safety concerns and to enable repairs and extension of the runway.
In a statement issued Sunday and signed by its Coordinator, Ngozi Odumuko and Secretary, Paschal Mbanefo, the group extended commendation to other stakeholders that made the reopening a reality, while urging the federal government to apply the same level of commitment and resources towards the international passenger and cargo terminals slated for completion by CCECC before the end of the year.
“We note that the reopening of the airport is indeed auspicious, as it will ameliorate the hardships hitherto faced by both local and international travellers and foster the ease of doing business. This is more so as the airport is the traditional gateway to the Eastern heartland.
“We commend the quality of work at the airport which has been adjudged by experts as being of international standard. We also note the construction of facilities which had hitherto been lacking at the airport facility, such as perimeter fencing and airfield lighting for day and night operations. These facilities are bound to improve safety and security at the airport.
“Nzuko Umunna commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the speedy approval of N10 billion for the project. We also thank the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for his zealous commitment to the runway reconstruction effort which made the reopening a reality.
READ: President Buhari approves N10 billion for upgrade of Enugu Airport, says work’ll be done speedily
“We must thank the Managing Director & Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu for his hands-on oversight of the day-to-day construction as well as his counterpart at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, for ensuring seamless installation of brand new instrument landing systems at the airport.
“The Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji went beyond the call of duty in ensuring the timely completion of the project. It is equally noteworthy that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and his Science and Technology counterpart, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu visited the airport to inspect the reconstruction. We commend them for their efforts.
“There is no gainsaying that the South East governors under the aegis of the South East Governors Forum (SEGF) – ably led by Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi – played a pivotal role in making the reconstruction and rehabilitation effort a reality. Also worthy of special mention is Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi whose uncommon commitment to the project was in bold relief.
“It is instructive that Nzuko Umunna played a critical role in the design and construction effort. Not only was our ‘Nzuko Umunna Enugu Airport Intervention Committee’ embraced by the South East Governors Forum in driving the project, the forum graciously appointed our highly respected Chairman of our committee, Engr. Chris Okoye as Chairman of the ‘South East Governors Forum Akanu Ibiam International Airport Rehabilitation/Palliative Committee’. While thanking the SEGF for this groundbreaking partnership which has brought the success that we all celebrate today, we must especially thank Engr. Okoye and other members of the committees for their immense and selfless sacrifice towards berthing the reconstruction exercise,” the statement elaborated.