3rd April 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, Governance And Development, Business And Economy, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

A few days ago, a steady step was taken by the Abia State Government towards the actualization of the Abia airport project located at Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

Craneburg Construction Company, one of the consulting firms involved in the building of the airport commenced the construction of the access road to the site proposed for the airport runway. The access road which is 8.5 KM in length was flagged off by Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti.

All the communities within the airport site in Nsulu and adjoining villages were agog with jubilation as the women and youths in the area trooped out in their number to welcome the construction company and government team led by Ajagba.

The air of conviviality and festivity that greeted the flag-off belied the falsehood being propagated by opposition elements in the State to the effect that the land owners in Nsulu were not supportive of the project because they were not being carried along by the Otti-led administration.

Contrary to the false claims, the government has since commenced the payment of full compensations to all owners of the lands affected by the project. It was, therefore, not surprising that the people of Nsulu enthusiastically came out in their number to witness the historic commencement of the airport project.

The land owners who spoke to news men, including Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, the Chairman of the Government-Land Owners Forum, confirmed that the government has started paying compensations to those whose lands are affected by the project.

One of the areas of contention was the size of the land which government had intended to acquire. But through sincere and mutual negotiations, it was reduced from 1,800 hectares to 1,000 hectares.

This understanding has led to the seamless take-off of the project.

The government further assured the Nsulu communities that the Construction Company would source both skilled and unskilled workers from among the locals. This is clearly aimed at economically empowering the youths in the area.

Consequently, the youths have given a firm commitment to protect the construction equipment and other infrastructure that are being provided within the airport site.

It will be recalled that following the ground-breaking ceremony performed December last year by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Chief Festus Keyamo, the airport project has been mired in controversy as some misguided political elites in the area had accused the government of land grabbing and threatening to halt the project.

But in spite of these challenges, Governor Otti has been able to demonstrate good faith and sincerity of purpose as he remained undaunted in seeing to the practical consummation of this very important project that has huge potentials for the economic transformation of the State.

Governor Otti has shown abiding faith and unrivalled commitment to public good with the resolution of all grey areas surrounding the project. This has made it possible for work to effectively commence without any disruptions either now or in the future.

The minimum standard of behaviour expected from the host communities is to ensure that work progresses at the airport site without any impediments whatsoever.

The Otti administration deserves special commendation for making the airport project a reality with his strategic collaboration with the Federal Government. It is important to note that what the Federal Government had planned for Abia was an Airstrip. It was the strategic decision of Dr. Otti to collaborate with Abuja that led to the review of the project and the consequent change of the status into an International Airport with an expanded runway.

When the airport comes fully on board, Abia State would be opened up to the rest of the world. International visitors, including tourists, and investors would be able to have seamless connections to Abia State.

With the commendable achievements government has recorded in the areas of infrastructure, urban renewal, education, agriculture, culture, hospitality, energy and industrialization, the existence of the airport would go a long way in promoting tourism and projecting the huge investment potentials of the State to the outside world.

There is no doubt that Governor Otti is very intentional in his drive towards the transformation of the State and repositioning it for greater economic possibilities. By pushing the airport project towards actualization, Otti has shown that no feat is impossible once the resolve and political will exist.

He has taken Abia to a new height. And it can never be the same again. May the State continue to prevail!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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