In a country without a National Carrier, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has made history by launching the first state-owned airline in Nigeria, IBOM AIR, thus putting the camp of his eternal critics into confusion.
Despite the giant strides of the Emmanuel administration particularly in its industrialisation drive that has, so far, produced over 15 industries, critics say, there is nothing on ground.
So, at the launch of IBOM AIR, many ask, what would they (critics) now say of IBOM AIR that will fly in the sky for everyone to see?
The answer: ‘some will have eyes and not see…’ someone quipped
” It’s a new day, new era of development and new passion in Akwa (Abasi) Ibom State” , Emmanuel told the mammoth crowd that turned out to witness the historic moment at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The state would also, in the near future, launch what will turn out to be ” one of the most modern and digitized Deep-Sea Port in the world”, the Governor further announced.
All, he said, are geared towards re-positioning the state ahead of the future when oil will no longer remain the sole government revenue earner.
IBOM AIR, according to the Technical consultant, Capt. Mfon Udom, will commence local operations with initial fleet of three aircraft which the airline will progressively raise to 10 ahead of its planned regional and international operations in the nearest future.
Overwhelmed, the special guest of honour at the event and the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bukola Saraki, commended Emmanuel for rendering to his people a focused leadership; urging, “This is what we have been saying; follow man wey sabi road. Udom sabi road.”
