Airport construction to commence in Ebonyi soon ― Gov Umahi

EBONYI state government says it will commence the construction of airport project which may not be the biggest but will be the most functional and beautiful in the country by next year.

The Governor stated this when the traffic and sales manager (Enugu) of Ethiopian airline paid him a courtesy visit at the government house Abakaliki.

According to the Governor who condemned the quality of aircraft Ethiopia sent to Nigeria which is different from the one in their country, maintained that if he were to be the president of Nigeria, he will never allow such in his country.

He further questioned the manager why no EBONYI citizen is working in their airline even as he remained the chairman South East Governors forum.

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He further pledged his government support and commitment to their organisations immediately he is accommodated and giving quota like other states.

“I once complained to Emirates airline why they send substandard airline to Nigeria. When you get to Dubai you now fly in beautiful aircraft even the one you bath on if you fly First Class.

“The same thing I’m saying to Ethiopian aircraft, what you sent to us in Enugu is not the best but as soon as you get to Ethiopia you will fly a better aircraft. So you have to talk to your people if I were the President of this country I will not allow that. “We need to be treated like other countries.

The waiting time in Ethiopian airline is another problem sometimes our people will have to wait for fourteen hours, sorry to tell you this but they also complained about the lounge if we are going to waiting for fourteen hours we should at least wait in comfort.

“Another thing is that I am the southeast chairman of the governors’ forum how come no Ebonyi person is working there, how do you think that we can start patronising you if you have not patronized us. That centre is for the entire five states of the southeast.”

“We will like to come to Enugu and further discuss with you because we will want to start an airport project early next year so our consultant will meet with you to start the negotiation.

He, however, advised the company to also fly within Nigerian state.

“The route from Lagos to Abuja is very viable you can put a cargo to apply that rout maybe from 3 to 4 pm every day.

According to Solomon Mekonenn Menistu who said he visited Ebonyi state to show acknowledgement of the Eastern regions that have helped to put Nigeria on the global map of rapidly rising economies with their collective innovative nature, industriousness and brilliance said he would like to strengthen the relationship with the region.

“There is no time to forge a partnership with your state than now, Your Excellency because come 23 August 2018, the Airline will Mark its 5th year since the Airlines inaugural flight out of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. It would be the beginning of a profitable venture for the state, for the region and for the country.”

” Our partnership with the state would offer corporate tickets to government officials. This will enable them to fly to their desired destinations in style but at subsidized rates,” He said.