TheCable

Nzuko Umunna, an Igbo socio-cultural think tank group, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the swift reconstruction of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

In a statement on Sunday, the group said the synergy between the south-east governors’ forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo in delivering the project should be cemented for more exploits.

The airport was shut down for reconstruction on August 24, 2019, for repair works on the deteriorating runways and other facilities.

“We note that the reopening of the airport is indeed auspicious, as it will ameliorate the hardships hitherto faced by both local and international travellers and foster the ease of doing business,” a statement signed by Ngozi Odumuko, the group’s coordinator, read.

“This is more so as the airport is the traditional gateway to the eastern heartland. We commend the quality of work at the airport which has been adjudged by experts as being of international standard.

“Nzuko Umunna commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the speedy approval of N10 billion for the project.

“We also thank Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, for his zealous commitment to the runway reconstruction effort which made the reopening a reality.

“There is no gainsaying that the south-east governors under the aegis of the south-east governors’ forum (SEGF) played a pivotal role in making the reconstruction and rehabilitation effort a reality.

“Also worthy of special mention is Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu state governor, whose uncommon commitment to the project was in bold relief.”

Odumuko said the Nzuko Umunna played a critical role in the design and construction of the rehabilitated airport.

“Not only was our ‘Nzuko Umunna Enugu Airport intervention committee’ embraced by the SEGF in driving the project, the forum graciously appointed Chris Okoye as chairman of the SEGF Akanu Ibiam International Airport rehabilitation/palliative committee,” he said.

“While thanking the SEGF for this ground-breaking partnership which has wrought the success that we all celebrate today (Sunday), we must especially thank Okoye and other members of the committees for their immense and selfless sacrifice towards berthing the reconstruction exercise.”

The airport was reopened on Sunday and the minister of aviation has said flight activities will resume after final inspection and the reopening ceremony.