Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom says his administration is expanding aviation sector investment in order to create more jobs and contribute to economic development.
Eno said that the acquisition of the brand new Airbus – A220 aircraft and ongoing infrastructure development at the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) would support the state hugely.
The governor stated this on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
It would be recalled that the governor was in Canada for a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s new Airbus A220-300.
He expressed satisfaction at the steps taken by his administration to improve the aviation sector.
Eno further stated that the latest aircraft acquisition demonstrated his administration’s commitment to the sustained growth of Ibom Air and the aviation industry at large.
“This is the third aircraft we are getting from Airbus since we came in 2023, we also got two CRJ 900, fully paid for. So far, we have done five, this shows consistency,” he said.
The governor said that his administration was developing an aviation village to accommodate airline staff, and that the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility was nearing completion.
“When this ecosystem begins to function at full capacity you will appreciate the jobs that will be created.
“It will affect the GDP of the state. These whole process will bring dividends to Akwa Ibom people,” he said.
He assured Akwa Ibom that the state’s investments in aviation would ultimately translate into tangible economic benefits.
According to him, job creation, increased economic activity and the development of an integrated aviation ecosystem are key dividends of aviation sector investments.
The governor called on Akwa Ibom people to disregard narratives suggesting ethnic or political division in the state.
He urged the people to avoid divisive tendencies, remain united and focused on the growth and development of the tate.
Eno urged the political class and opinion leaders to discourage narratives that were capable of creating division among Akwa Ibom people.
He said that fragmentation would weaken the collective efforts required to advance the state.
