The Bayelsa State Government says its multi billion naira international airport is one of the legacy projects that will change the economic fortunes of the state and bring about prosperity for the people.
The airport which is over 95 per cent complete will be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari next month.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, made this known on Thursday while conducting some journalists round the airport.
Iworiso-Markson said the airport would create massive job opportunities for the people of Bayelsa and will be a leading investment destination as well as a hub for business when it becomes fully operational.
‘’There will be more business opportunities, more investment opportunities and more revenue. It is indeed a dream come true for us as a government. We are so excited about this project because of the massive benefits the state and our people will derive from it.
‘’The airport is a testament of the commitment and dedication of the restoration government of His Excellency to open up this state and show to the world our huge potential. This is the heart of the Niger Delta, this is the Jerusalem of the Ijaw Nation and this airport will give us a new narrative.
‘’I want our people to know that this is not politics, it is development, and we have often said that we don’t play politics with development. This airport will be used by both PDP and APC members, so nobody should politicize this project.’’
The Bayelsa State Government’s spokesman stated that the airport is fully funded by the state government after the federal government pulled out from an earlier agreement which would have seen it provide counterpart funds for the construction of the terminal building, control tower, hangar and fire bay.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Seriake Dickson for his vision and foresight, noting that only a serious leader like him could carry out an ambitious project like the airport in a recession.
On his part, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airline, Capt. Henry Ungbuku, said with a 3.5 kilometre runway which is the longest in the whole of West Africa, it was capable of receiving the biggest aircraft.
He informed that with some of the best and latest security equipment that had been installed, the Bayelsa International Airport would be one of the safest airports in Nigeria.
Ungbuku assured that test flight operations would commence on August 20 ahead of the commissioning billed for the August 27.
