The Osubi Airstrip in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, was re-opened for commercial flight activities on Friday.
The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had, in March 2021, approved the reopening of the airstrip near Warri, for daylight operations in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions.
At the official reopening ceremony on Friday, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed delight over the return of flight at the Airstrip shut down in February 2020.
Speaking at the ceremonyon Friday, the Speaker, who represents Okpe state constituency in the State House of Assembly, described the day as one of his happiest days.
“Today is one of my happiest days and, indeed, a great pleasure to make this remarks.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are here to witness the re-making of history. I say this because on the 17th of April, 1999 when the Osubi Airport was commissioned, it was first of its kind in the state.
“It attracted headlines as a major breakthrough in air transportation in the state. Unfortunately, following controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the Airport, it was closed in February, 2020,” he disclosed.
According to him also, “One year after the shutdown, we are here gathered to witness the reopening of the Osubi Airstrip by the Federal Government. To me, this is a milestone for the State and Okpe Local Government Area in particular.
“The strategic importance of the Airport to the oil and gas operations, and other commercial activities in the state cannot be over emphasized.
“In 2015, the number of passengers movements into the Airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) Aviation Sector Reports, was 187,630.
“I believe this figure would be more as at the date the Airport was shutdown.
“The implication of the above is that these passengers, along with all the economic benefits, were taken elsewhere. The loss of revenue to the state and the host community during this period cannot be quantified. Therefore, it is a thing of joy that the Airport is being reopened today for business,” he enthused.
The speaker acknowledge and appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for making the reopening of the Airport a priority by engaging the Federal Government through the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, whom he appreciated.
Other dignitaries at the occasion were royal fathers, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, and some of their chiefs.
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