Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
The Federal Government, in partnership with the Abia State Government, upgraded the Abia Airport to the International Cargo Airport.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Aviation, Mr.Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for Abia Airport at Nsulu, Isialanqwa North local government area of Abia state.
The President said that the project was upgraded from an Airstrip to an International Cargo Airport.
He described the Airport as a presidential initiative as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed that no part of the country, particularly the South East, should be left of Aviation development.
Keyamo said that the president specifically requested an Airstrip for Abia state in the 2024 budget due to his affection for Abia state and its Governor to ensure that Abia state is connected to the rest of the world through the Aviation project.
He also said that Abia state expressed willingness to partner with the federal government through counterpart funding to upgrade the project to an International Cargo Airport.
“Abia state, being the industrial hub of the South East zone, needs an Airport which would serve as a veritable enabler for Economic and social development, adding that most Nigeria products are produced in Abia.
He said that funds have been allocated in the 2024 budget to commence clearing and development and said that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has assured prompt approval of subsequent funding in the 2025 budget.
In his speech, the Governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti, reaffirmed Abia’s state’s commitment to utilizing the synergy with the federal government to drive sustainable development initiatives, which would help to revolutionize the economy of the state.
“We committed that under our watch, Abia state will never let any promising opportunities slip by whether it is collaborating with multilateral partners, the federal government and its Agencies, sister states, business organizations, and individuals who have something of value to offer us.
“We are constantly open to making the most of the opportunities we find because there lies the tenth to sustainable progress,” Otti said.
Otti thanked the president for his commitment to boosting the social and economic advancement of the zone.
Otti said that the project would be completed in 36 months and thanked everyone who contributed to making the project a reality.
In his remarks the Deputy Speaker of House of Representative, Rt. Hon.Benjamin Kalu expressed confidence that the project would be completed in a record time because Abia is blessed with a Governor who understands the importance of synergistic partnership.
Kalu said that he would work assiduously with his colleagues in the house to ensure that funds appropriated for the project would be given speedy approval by the House of Representatives.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which is at the heart of Abia’s infrastructural development, attracted who is who in Abia state across political divides.
