After one year of being closed to the public so that maintenance work can be carried out, the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, has been re-opened for flight operations.
The repair works at the airport included the expansion of the runway.
Amidst jubilation by the people of the state, the aviation minister, Senator Hadi Sirika cut the tape on Sunday, signalling resumption of flight operations.
He commended president Muhammadu Buhari for approving and releasing 10 billion naira for the rehabilitation works.
Sirika recalled that President Buhari had asked him to embark on the rehabilitation work after safety concerns were raised and commended him for fulfilling his promise.
He disclosed that the airport could now carry out night flight operations as facilities for that have now been provided.
The Minister, however, noted that in the course of the rehabilitation works, they encountered a lot of challenges like Covid-19 lockdown, the Orie Emene Markert, destruction of the perimeter fencing, among others.
READ ALSO: Akanu Ibiam Airport Ready For Reopening – Minster
He thanked the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for helping them to contain some of the challenges through the demolition of Orie Emene Market and some Government facilities.
He also commended the efforts of the South East Governors in setting up the Akanu Ibiam Rehabilitation Committee, pointing out that the committee served with patriotism.
According to Sirika, the newly rehabilittated airport was a testimony of the burning desire of the Buhari-led administration to provide infrastructure for the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, Dave Umahi expressed happiness over the reopening of the airport, saying the rehabilitation of the airport was a risk worth taking.
While commending President Buhari for approving a special fuding for the project, Umahi described him as a passionate leader.
Umahi stressed the need for South East Governors and leaders to make out time to tell Buhari that they were indeed grateful over what he is doing in the region.
“It was a risk worth taking. South East leaders and governors must make out time to tell president Muhammadu Buhari that we are very grateful,” he said.
Also present at the occasion were Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by his Deputy; Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State; Senator Ike Ekweremadu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, among others.
