Asaba airport may lose heavy traffic as Anambra cargo, passenger airport takes off with inaugural landing of 3 aircrafts
BY SUNNY DAVID
There are indications that Asaba international airport may lose some traffic as Anambra International cargo snd passenger airport weekend witnessed the landing of three aircraft at its inaugural ceremony in Umueri, Anambra East local government area of the state.
Two of aircraft belong to Air Peace while the other, a private jet belong to an indigene of the state, Sir. Ernest Obiejesi.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, said the airport was a revolution in the aviation industry as it took his administration just 15 months to complete.
According to Governor Obiano, the airport has 3.7 km runway, 11 storey Tower, and other facilities that makes it the biggest in the country.
The governor said the completion of airport in 15 months was a revolution in the aviation industry, noting that no army can withstand an idea in right direction.
Chief Obiano said the most interesting thing is that the state government did not borrow any money to build the airport and further said that the dream of the airport started 30 years at Oba, and that the dream has finally been fulfilled.
”This is a fulfillment of our dream. With this, we have made the journey for any investor who wants to invest in the State easy and simply,” the Governor said.
Governor Obiano noted that the airport will create job opportunities for 3,000 persons directly and 2,000 indirectly.
He stated that the airport will boost, not only the economy of the state, South-East region but the nation at large.
Chief Obiano further stated that his administration deliberately designed the airport to transform the state into a destination for Local and International investors.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Allen Onyema, the founder of Air Peace, who was onboard the first aircraft, and incidentally emerged as first passenger to land on the airport, described it as the biggest and best in Africa.
Dr. Onyema said he shed tears of joy while landing at the airport because its standard was beyond what he expected, very fast and promptly completed.
He assured that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration would soon approve the airport for commercial use, adding that it would create millions of jobs for the teaming populations.
Also speaking, at the event Igwe Achebe who expressed happiness over the project said the airport is of economic benefit to Anambra and will also boost tourism in the state while the traditional ruler of Umueri the host community Igwe Benneth Emeka thanked God for making their dream come true and commended governor Willie Obiano for the laudable project.
For the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Anambra State Venerable Joseph Nweke and Dr. Vincent Egbuna, Governor Obiano has through the Airport project written his name in Gold.
Also people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers from Anambra State led by the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, government officials, industrialists, the Clergy, cultural groups, lawmakers and APGA faithful who came to witness the event were excited when three air craft landed at the airport with Passengers.
