Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Friday took delivery of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for Ibom Air.
Eno assured that his administration will expedite actions towards optimum returns on investment of public funds and assets within and outside the State.
The governor who led the residents to the reception of the two aircraft, 5N-CED and 5N-CEE, affirmed that the acquisition was funded by the state government, without any loan or facility from any financial institution.
This, according to him was a step in line with his administration’s determination to break the vicious cycle of state government investments existing only to settle debts in favour of financial institutions, adding that his administration would rather explore ventures that will ensure returns on investment to the state.
The governor lauded IbomAir in the Nigerian Aviation Industry and tasked the management to ensure the airline declares profit in 2025 to justify the investment of the state funds.
He urged the management of Ibom Air to prioritise the flight needs of Akwa Ibom travellers by ensuring Uyo inbound and outbound flights are not truncated.
Eno stated that besides the 18-storey complex underway in Nigeria’s economic capital, Lagos, his administration will soon flag off a 4-star hotel on the state-owned property in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, an international market in Ikot Ekpene while the International terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport will soon commence partial operation by December, ahead of its full activation in 2025.
“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four-star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribund property to commercial use. By next year, the MRO behind us will have been completed. We are putting in so much money already, and we are at 95 per cent completion. In December, we are going to partially open the brand new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.”
“As long as I remain Governor, we will continue to use the state’s money for the generality of our people. We will not put the money in a few pockets. We will rather put the money into things that will benefit all of us. So we will continue to put money together to fund our critical infrastructure.
“For the Ibom towers in Lagos, we will make sure that we don’t borrow a dime, and we will finish in 24 months by the grace of God. To Ibom Air, while we thank you for your wonderful management team, we urge you that from 2025, we must begin to receive profits from the operations of Ibom Air. We must begin to receive profits so that our investment will be worth the while.” Eno said.
In a related development, the governor made a stopover at the site for Ibom Aviation Village and assured that the project would be flagged off in two weeks.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, commended the prudence and business orientation of Eno in running the affairs of the State, affirming that the Governor has initiated lofty programmes over the eighteen months of his administration without approaching the State House of Assembly for any loan approval.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air Limited, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, thanked Akwa Ibom people and air travellers across Nigeria for their patronage and support for the airline.
Jacob particularly commended the governor for the investment in the brand which, he said, has increased its fleet to nine in a very short time and has increased its capability for more frequent flights along the Uyo-Lagos-Abuja routes.
Also speaking, the CEO of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom commended the Governor for his commitment to the growth of the State-owned airline, adding that the two new aircraft have come in to increase the capacity of the Airline in readiness for Christmas. He assured of increased frequency and efficiency.
The Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area, HRM, Edidem Ita Edet Okokon III also appreciated the Governor for his leadership approach and assured of continuous support by the traditional institution.
Also fielding questions with newsmen, the Group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ibom Air, Anie Essienette, said the demand for services of Ibom Air across the nation has become quite huge, describing Governor Umo Eno’s intervention of bringing in the two CRJ900, while the company awaits the supply of the 9 pending Airbuses, as a great boost to the company’s capacity to meet the demands of its teeming passenger base.
