Four days
to the official commencement of international flights at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport ,
Enugu , billionaire businessman, Chief Arthur
Eze, Tuesday, flew into Enugu airport from Senegal .
The
aircraft marked No 5MPZE, which landed at the modernised airport at about
3.20pm direct from Senegal ,
became the first international aircraft to touch down at the airport after it
was upgraded.
President
Goodluck Jonathan gave approval for the upgrading of the airport to an
international status two years ago and laid the foundation for the construction
of the international wing early this year.
Although
work on the project is still on going at the various sections of the airport,
the Federal Ministry of Aviation has slated the official commencement of
international flights from Enugu
for Saturday with the Ethiopian airline billed to fly in and out of the coal
city.
Speaking to
Journalists after the four-hour flight from Senegal
to Enugu , amid
jubilation by residents who thronged the airport to catch a glimpse of the
first international flight, Prince Eze praised President Jonathan for living up
to his promise, stressing that the upgrading of the airport would boost the
economy of the South East.
“Look at
me, I flew from Senegal to Enugu for four hours
non-stop. I don’t need to go to Lagos or Abuja to catch direct flight again to Europe or Senegal . I can
now go from my house to any place of choice. It is a good thing and I thank God
for the development. The people of the South East will live to enjoy this
because it will grow our economy,” he said.
He said
that Ndigbo had been clamouring for an international airport from the military
era up to the Olusegun Obasanjo administration all no avail until few years ago
when Jonathan came on board and approved the airport and backed the project
with resources.
“I am the
first beneficiary of this beautiful airport, I am grateful to Jonathan. Jonathan
has saved the life of Igbo people by reducing their suffering. Right now Igbo
people who are noted for traveling overseas for businesses can do so from their
zone. Jonathan has demonstrated that he is a wonderful human being and God will
continue to bless him”, Eze said.
He
commended the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah for seeing to the realization
of the airport.
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