EBONYI RESIDENTS COMMEND PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR APPROVING 10BN FOR RENOVATION OF AKANU IBIAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RUNWAY

President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended for approving ten billion Naira Special Intervention Fund for the upgrade of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. A cross section of residents of Ebonyi State made the commendation while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abakaliki. Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu has functioned as the only International Airport in the South East geopolitical zone of the country till last few months.

Despite high number of air travelers from the zone, the airport has not optimally served the people due to some technical and infrastructural challenges. Following increasing complaint over the dilapidated condition of the runway, the Federal Government in May this year gave a nod for it to be shut down to enable it to effect some repairs.

House of Representatives member elect for Ikwo and Ezza South Federal constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogar, explained that expanding the project to cover total rehabilitation of the Airport to meet International standard was a well thought out plan by President Buhari. A regular Air traveler, Dr. Azubuike Ebokaiwe, noted that upgrading the Airport would be a huge relief to air travelers from the South East as most of them travelled to Abuja and Lagos to board International flight to their destinations.

A journalist, Pastor Peter Okutu, described the approach of South East Leaders under the Chairmanship of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state as exemplary and urged them to further interface with the President on the actualization of other projects in the zone. Meanwhile, President Buhari had while receiving South East Leaders at Aso Rock explained that he had the assurances of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, that work at the Airport would be done speedily and to the highest standards.

AMECHI ODO