Enugu airport set for International operations

Posted by admin Enugu, Headlines, State News, Top Stories Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

…as S’easterners air their views on official launch

From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

All is now set for the official launch of the first commercial international flight at the newly upgraded Dr. Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, scheduled for Saturday August 24.

As expected the arrival and departure halls are ready just as the screening check point for the international wing of the airport, is in shape for commercial activities.

Similarly, relevant security agencies including the Nigeria Custom, Immigrations, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), as well as the State Security Service are all on ground for the formal take off of international flight operations at the airport.

Meanwhile a cross section of Nigerians who spoke to our reporter in Enugu has expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for fulfilling the dream of the people of the South East to have an international airport, even as some also believe the president needs to do more for the people.

Mr. Obinna Ochi, who works in the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, said the take-off of the airport means a lot to the economy of the zone. “It means that our economy will start to boom. It will also save us the time and resources expended in going to Lagos and Abuja before one could travel abroad. I think it’s fantastic. I feel happy and I must say it is a welcome development.”

According to Chief Dilim Okafor, Chairman Tracy Hotels Ltd Awka, Anambra State, a frequent user of the Akanu Ibiam airport, the opening of the airport means a lot; “for the first time we have access to the outside world. But we still expect bigger airlines, I understand it’s Ethiopian Airlines that is coming on Saturday. However, we expect airlines like Emirates because I am a regular traveler. I travel to Dubai, I travel to India, China, all through Emirates; not only me but most of the Igbo traders so the Federal Government should negotiate with Emirates so they can be coming to Enugu too.

It’s a big relief and that’s why everybody is hailing Mr. President for this effort because there was a deliberate attempt by previous administrations to lock the South East zone up but he decided to liberate us and we are happy, about the development.

Beyond the airport, however, Chief Okafor said the South East also need better roads; “because if cargo flights land here, the goods have to be transported to Onitsha, Aba or anywhere; through which road? So road is another thing that must accompany this laudable effort of President Jonathan to Igbos.

Evangelist Elloit Uko, President Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) also commended President Jonathan for the airport. “We are excited about that, but we plead for the acceleration of work on other promises like, functional seaport at Onitsha and Oguta. The key word here is “functional” Enugu will experience a new economic life with the international wing taking off. We are grateful to President Jonathan for fulfilling this one. We plead that he and his team accelerates on the other promises. We are grateful for that. We appreciate the positive impact the international airport will have on the economy of the South East. It is important to note that when we plead that campaign promises be fulfilled we are not by any means suggesting that the governemtn should address South East issues at the expense of other Zones.

But an elder statesman, Chief Enechi Onyia, (SAN), has a different view; “as far as I am concerned this airport is not up to standard; I led a delegation to Obasanjo about this airport10 years ago, and this is not what we asked for. I am disappointed.

Asked if he is encouraged that at least something has been done, Chief Onyia said; “I am not interested on something being done, I will be interested that a good thing has been done; once a good thing has been done, then I am interested. But if you deceive people telling them you are building airport and it is not what is expected, what do you want me to do? I am urging government to do its duty, that’s all. They have a duty, don’t beg them. They think these are amenities you beg for; that if they bring it to Enugu it is for Enugu people, it’s not true.

“The president of Nigeria is the president for the whole Nigeria; every Nigerian must be properly cared for. But Nigerians will always jubilate when such things are done, ‘thank God he has remembered us,’ he should be remembering you every day. That is the authority you gave him.

I believe in functional politics and functional administration.

“First of all any political party that wants to govern a country must have a policy, a programme and they have to implement their programme. What is the programme? How are they implementing it? The truth is that we are deceiving ourselves but history will record everything.

We need to pursue a just cause; make sure that amenities are available for the citizenry.”wp_posts