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Lokpobiri, Ogbuku, Sunny-Goli, NASS caucus laud Diri
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri recorded another historic feat in the state’s development strides with the launch of the first of two aircraft acquired by the Bayelsa State Government for daily commercial flight operations in the state.
Douye Diri led eminent personalities of the state, including the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Sam Ogbuku, and members of the National Assembly, on the inaugural flight from Abuja to Yenagoa.
The seventy-two-passenger-and-crew aircraft was formally inaugurated at a ceremony held at the Bayelsa International Airport.
The ATR 72-600 Bayelsa aircraft with the number 5N-BDD, upon arrival at the Bayelsa International Airport, received the traditional water cannon salute from the fire trucks.
Diri, in his remarks, described the celebration as historic, stressing that it was in fulfilment of the dreams of the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and his predecessors who conceived the idea of building an airport for the state.
While disclosing that the second aircraft would arrive soon, he said the launch of the aircraft underscored his administration’s commitment to fulfil his promise to connect Bayelsans to other parts of the world by air.
According to him, the launch of the aircraft would strengthen the capacity of the aviation sector in the state and expand the economic horizon.
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Diri immediately directed that Pioneer Airlines Nigeria, which is to operate the craft, commence the process for it to be named either Bayelsa Air or Air Bayelsa.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who promised to patronise the airline through the hydrocarbon industry, called for the sustenance of the carrier through professional management and adequate funding.
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasised that the airline would assist in solving the challenge of logistics and movement across the region.
In separate goodwill messages, former House of Representatives member and Amadabo Kemmer V, Israel Sunny-Goli, commended Diri for his vision in actualising the dreams of Bayelsa’s founding fathers.
Also speaking were the Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor of the State, retired Rear Admiral Gborigbina John-Jonah, the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Friday Konbowei-Benson, Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Boladei Igali, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Abraham Ingobere, who said the aircraft would ease the transportation difficulties of the people and boost the economy of the state.
Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines Nigeria, Captain Henry Ogbuku, and the MD of the Bayelsa International Airport, retired Air Vice Marshal Nelson Ebieteli Calmday, commended the governor for the aircraft, stating that it carries the dreams and aspirations of the people of the state.
