Oduah Urges S/East to Maximize Akam Ibiam Airport’ Potentials

Princess Stella Oduah, minister of Aviation, has challenged the people of the South East to make the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu not just viable but amongst the top three airports in West Africa in no distant time.

She also showered appreciation on Mr. President for making this dream come true.

The Minister made this statement in Awka, Anambra state while delivering the keynote address at a conference organised by the league of Anambra professionals.

Represented by Dr George Ossi Afamefuna, permanent secretary of the Ministry, minister urged the state government to draw up a road map to achieve their goals. "This is what we did upon assumption of office at the Ministry of Aviation.  We found civil aviation in a deplorable state and drew up a road map to transform the sector, in line with the Transformation Agenda of the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR."

According to her "We are following the road map vigorously to be the best Aviation Industry in Africa and one of the best in the world and in our mission to build a safe, secured and efficient aviation industry focussed on making Nigeria a hub that meets International Standards and Best Practices for the African continent."

She said that the on-going construction of the new international and cargo terminals, the commissioning of the remodelled and reconstructed terminal of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the commencement of the Enugu – Addis Ababa route by Ethiopian Airlines, Ndi Igbo are benefitting from Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda.

She said the new facility will on completion handle 500,000 International passengers annually and will have several commercial offerings, including 60 shops, lounges with soothing ambience and modern conveyor belts, and a new car park.  The cargo terminal is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The conference which was attended by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state was also attended by a Director from the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Idris, Heads of Aviation Parastatals including Dr Anthony Anuforom of NIMET, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh of NAMA and other directors including Sir Wendel Ogunedo, Dr Uche Ofulue and Bar Ikedi Uko from FAAN.

Other discussants who included Chief Osita Chidoka(FRSC), Dr Ikem Odumodu (SON) who canvased for a return to the core values of hard work, integrity and the fear of God.

The chief host of the occasion, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah later made presentations to the keynote speaker and other discussants.