A former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, has described the newly upgraded terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport as “Africa’s best,” praising Governor Umo Eno for sustaining and completing a vision that has now positioned Akwa Ibom on the global aviation map.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the maiden international flight ceremony, Essien, a civil engineer trained at Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, said the facility meets global standards and reflects deliberate planning driven by continuity in leadership. He noted that beyond aesthetics, the terminal represents technical excellence and long-term infrastructure thinking capable of supporting heavy passenger traffic and international connectivity.
The Senator who served between 1999 and 2003 recalled that the journey to securing federal approval for an airport in Akwa Ibom was not without resistance, especially at the early stages when the proposal was not favourably received at the centre.
He said during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, efforts by the state government under Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah to secure approval for the airport initially met stiff opposition, noting that he had to take the matter to the floor of the Senate to press the case for fairness and development.
“This is one project among others that I challenged former President Obasanjo to give approval when he refused same and told former Governor, Obong Victor Attah to give him the money to expand the Calabar International Airport if he has so much money and does not know what to do with it,” Essien stated.
He explained that his intervention at the National Assembly formed part of sustained advocacy that eventually paved the way for the realization of the airport project, describing the outcome as a victory for persistence and collective interest.
The former lawmaker further disclosed that the story of that struggle and the sacrifices made in the process have been captured in a forthcoming book, revealing that Obong Attah made specific reference to his role in ensuring that Akwa Ibom secured approval for the airport against all odds.
Senator Essien specifically commended Governor Eno for refusing to abandon the vision initiated by past administrations, describing the project as a clear example of how leadership continuity can translate into tangible economic gains. He assured that the airport would serve as a major catalyst for regional growth and position Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for business and leisure in West Africa.
“What we are witnessing today goes beyond an airport upgrade. It is the opening of a strategic economic gateway for Akwa Ibom. This facility will drive revenue growth, deepen tourism, attract serious investors and create jobs across key sectors of our economy. Developments like this clearly show that Akwa Ibom is in safe hands, led by a leader who understands direction and is deliberate about the future of his people. That is why you see people from across the 31 local government areas and outside the State coming together in solidarity to hail Governor Umo Eno for this level of leadership,” the Senator stated.
Meanwhile, the maiden international flight ceremony, which marked the commencement of full international operations at the airport, attracted top government functionaries, aviation stakeholders and dignitaries from within and outside the state.
No comments:
Post a Comment