Ebonyi: Int'l Airport To Be Ready Soon-Umahi

From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo Ebonyi State governor, Engr. David Umahi had disclosed that the ongoing construction of airport would be completed and commissioned in the next three months.

This was made known during the banquet principally organized in honour of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Mohammadu Buhari (Rtd) in his two days visit in the state adding that the project upon completion on August 2022 would be handed over to Federal government for management and concession. He gave assurance of completing the project on August on 2022 and equally requested for financial assistance of N10b which would be used to equip the project. “On this note, the President had referred us to the Ministry of Aviation and the establishment had done due diligence and recommended same for the President’s approval. “Our intention is to complete the project and hand it over to federal government of Nigeria to own and concession, we will not request for refund of project cost. “We therefore pray that Mr. President will graciously consider and approve the release of the said amount to enable us buy airport equipment and open the project by August 2022” he explained. Concerning King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu: “This university is a world class medical complex with centers of excellence for the treatment of cancer, liver, heart disease and kidney transplanting including a centre for production of dialyzers aimed at meeting the modern medical needs which are comparable to health centres in the most western nations” He further enumerated other already completed projects as follows: President Mohammadu Buahri 5-Ways Light Tunnel which connects the Shopping Mall, State Ecumenical Centre, Margaret Umahi International Market among others. The governor also applauded his special quest over the various supports which he (President) had given to all the states governors irrespective of political party affiliation. “Your financial assistance on infrastructural refund, payee refund, Paris Club, Bailout funds, Agricultural Loans, Fertilizer support and Budgetary funds are instances of your great support to all the states of the federation” he said. Governor Umahi who is also the chairman of South East Governors’ Forum appreciated the president over his approval for the construction of 2nd Niger Bridge which according to him, is nearly completion. “The rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, reconstruction of Enugu-Portharcourt and Enugu-Awka Express Ways and others are not exceptional. “On the strength of these the entire people of South East commend the fatherly love and fair disposition which had been showered upon them. The President, on his part described all the projects as excellent and commended the governor for associating Federal government with some of the works. “I am impressed with your performance, though I am not an engineer but I have seen that all the projects have the tendency of lasting for a long time” he said.