Otti Flags Off Abia Airport Construction, Promises Economic Transformation
2 years ago 3 min read
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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially flagged off the construction of the proposed Abia Airport, describing it as a landmark project that will boost economic activities and place Abia as a vital hub in the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Community Primary School, Umunna Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the governor highlighted the technical specifications of the airport.
“The initial design of this project will allow for what they call a Type 4D runway of 2.8 km, with provision for further upgrade to Type 4E runway, which is the longest runway of 3.6 km, to accommodate bigger sizes of aircraft in due course,” he explained.
Dr. Otti reassured the host communities of fair compensation for their lands and commended their cooperation. “No one will be cheated,” he assured, emphasizing that the airport will serve as an advantage for Abians and foster economic growth.
The project, a Federal Government initiative in collaboration with the Abia State Government, spans 1,325.86 hectares of land acquired from nine communities in Nsulu and Nkosi, with compensations currently being paid to the landowners.
Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who performed the groundbreaking, emphasized the need for Nsulu indigenes to be given priority in employment.
“You must consider the people of Nsulu first for employment and to run this airport in the states. It is their property. Let them own it. Let them value it and let them run it for the good of the country,” Keyamo charged.
The minister described the project as “social infrastructure” that will serve as an enabler of economic activities.
“Most of the beautiful things we see made in Nigeria are made in Abia. Most of them. There’s no reason why we cannot process goods from here, manufacture them in Nigeria, process them and export directly from Abia. You should be very, very proud of what is happening here today,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the project is not just an infrastructure for travel but a gateway to the world.
“The ceremony is not an end but a beginning of transformation and growth that generations would look back on with pride. As we turn the first shovel of earth today, let it symbolize the unity of purpose and shared vision we have for Abia State. Together, we are building not just an airport but a legacy of progress, prosperity, and hope,” he noted.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumereije, praised the governor’s proactive efforts in securing unencumbered land for the project and upgrading its design from an airstrip to a full airport while the project contractor, Craneburg, represented by its General Manager, Ellie Arden, pledged to deliver the project to the highest standards, leveraging the company’s extensive expertise in airport development.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also commended Governor Otti for his commitment to the airport project and pledged federal support to ensure its success.
“We will keep looking for avenues to develop our state because development does not know the color of a political party. Let’s stop petty politics,” Kalu urged.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Whistler, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe criticized opposition figures for allegedly politicizing the project.
“Some politicians of the opposition are envious that what they couldn’t do, this present governor is doing it, so they keep poisoning people’s minds telling them they won’t have anywhere to farm. Once this airport arrives here, estates will develop, markets will also develop, so anybody talking against this airport project is either being politically motivated or being purely sentimental,” he said.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa; Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Agbai; commissioners; and members of the State House of Assembly.
