Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has highlighted the expansion of the state’s aviation sector, saying investments in Ibom Air, the Victor Attah International Airport and aviation training are creating jobs and positioning Akwa Ibom as a regional aviation hub.
Governor Eno spoke at the official reception and water-cannon ceremony for the new Airbus A220-300 aircraft acquired for Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
He said the arrival of the aircraft marked another milestone in the expansion of Ibom Air, while stressing that the state’s aviation strategy goes beyond the acquisition of aircraft and development of infrastructure.
According to him, the administration is deliberately investing in the training of Akwa Ibom indigenes to ensure they become active participants in the aviation industry.
“We are proud to note that out of the 30 pilots currently working with Ibom Air, 14 of them are from this state and were trained by the state government,” he said. “Sixteen out of the 40 aircraft engineers are also from our state and were equally trained by the State Government.”
Governor Eno disclosed that 10 Akwa Ibom indigenes are currently undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, with another 10 cadet pilots undergoing training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, all under the sponsorship of the state government.
He said the investment in aviation was already having an economic impact on the state, with about 2,000 direct jobs created by Ibom Air and the wider aviation ecosystem.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for granting international status to the airport and commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for supporting the state’s efforts to position Akwa Ibom as an aviation hub.
Governor Eno said the aircraft reception also marked the commencement of activities for the commissioning of 39 projects to commemorate Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary under the theme, “Our Moment of Gratitude.”
He said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to appreciate God and honour the founding fathers and past leaders whose contributions laid the foundation for the state’s development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Governor Eno’s leadership and the expansion of the airport and Ibom Air fleet.
Akpabio described Eno as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and West Africa,” while commending the state government for training indigenes in various aviation institutions.
He also praised the governor for completing projects initiated by previous administrations and sustaining the state’s development trajectory.
The Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the Chief Pilot who flew the new aircraft, Captain Ruth Adebanwo, said the Airbus A220-300 comes with advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency, adding that it would strengthen the airline’s operational capacity and support the expansion of its routes.
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