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By Emma Njoku
Leaders and stakeholders of the host communities of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, Imo State have expressed happiness over the steady increase in operations at the airport.
They also applauded the peace and security currently being experienced at the facility, in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area and across the state, particularly during the last Yuletide. They described the positive developments as the outcomes of the proactive governance style of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The leaders and stakeholders, drawn from the four communities of Obiangwu, Logara, Umuohiagu, and Ezemba, gave the commendation at a recent meeting facilitated by the Governor’s Liaison Officer, Hon. Chukwuma Anuforo and the President of Onyeaghalanwanneya Youth Movement (OYM).
They also used the platform to applaud the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr Olubumi Kuku; Member representing Ngor Okpala state Constituency in the Imo State Assembly, Hon. Obinna Egu, and the Convener, Nkwa Chi Kwere Movement, and the Airport Manager, Dr Chijioke Kaduru, for supporting Governor Uzodimma in deepening ongoing development, security and peace at the airport, and in the host communities, as well as cementing the partnership and trust between both parties.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Chukwuma Anuforo disclosed that the zero insecurity at the airport and the surrounding communities during the Yuletide till date, and the spike in its operations have never been witnessed in its history and attributed the developments to the visionary leadership of Governor Uzodimma.
He noted that the robust operations at the airport were as a result of the governor’s commitment and dedicated efforts to transform the airport to a world class facility.
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He applauded the massive infrastructures upgrade, notably the installation of night navigational facilities, dualisation of the airport roads, solarisation, and reconstruction of terminal facilities.
Hon. Anuforo disclosed that the latest development has dramatically transformed the fortunes of the airport, motivating the leaders of the area, like Hon. Obinna Egu and Dr Chijioke Kaduru, as well as the youths to contribute their quota towards sustaining the enhanced operations and security at the airport and across the host communities. Hon. Anuforo commended the Minister of Aviation, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Managing Director, FAAN, Dr Kuku, for partnering with the state to transform the airport.
The youth leader also praised the airport manager for her rare and exemplary leadership, especially in the aspect of corporate social responsibility, which he noted is the first of its kind in the history of the airport. He described gestures from the airport authority, including school fees for selected students from poor homes and welfare packages to the people and leaders of the host communities, as novel and excellent, praising the relationship between her, the human resources head, and staffers of the facility.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the lawmaker representing Ngor Okpala in Imo Assembly, Hon Obinna Egu, in sustaining security and peace in the area, stressing that he does that through consistent engagements with the youths of the communities.
The Councillor for Umuohiagu/Logara Ward in the Ngor Okpala Legislative Council, Hon. Uba Eke, in his remarks, appealed to the airport authority to give the youths of the area who have been casual workers for several years regular jobs.
In one unanimous voice vote the large gathering passed a vote of confidence in Dr Kaduru and the airport manager for partnering with the Federal Government, Imo State government, and the host communities to make the airport the best in the country.
