Akwa Ibom state government plans to launch state-owned airline to be known as Ibom Air

AKWA Ibom State's Governor Udom Emmanuel has revealed that his administration is planning to launch a state-owned airline to be known as Ibom Air as part of a plan to improve air links with the rest of the country.

Since the return to democracy in 199, Akwa Ibom has enjoyed the construction of more infrastructural facilities than any other state in Nigeria. Among the facilities now available in the state are the Obong Victor Attah International Airport, which was initiated by the former governor, who it was named after.

Governor Emmanuel said there is now a need to build on this with a dedicated airline that will lessen the problems currently being encountered by numerous air travellers to the state. Speaking in Uyo, during the annual state-sponsored Christmas carol night, Governor Emmanuel said the planned airline, which would be wholly owned by the state, would ensure the Akwa Ibom remains a destination of choice for foreign investors.

“Our state-owned and run Obong Victor Attah International Airport has a Category Two runway and work is ongoing on the second taxi way. Our dream to open up our state through land, air, and sea will come full cycle.

“When we promised all these, our naysayers said it couldn’t be done and some are still deluding themselves that it hasn’t been done even when they are driving on the roads we have built, are enjoying the steady electricity we have provided, are being treated in the world class hospitals we have remodelled and equipped with modern amenities and whose children are receiving quality education in our public schools. We will, however, not relent, we will not give in to propaganda or blackmail,” Governor Emmanuel added.

He pointed out that work was going on steadily on the Ibom Deep Seaport, in addition to numerous road projects across the state. His predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, was absent from the Christmas carol event, which was started by his administration.