Akwa Ibom State Government has received two new CRJ 900 Bombardier series aircraft, thereby increasing Ibom Air’s fleet.
Governor Umo Eno, who took delivery of the aircraft, promised to flag off more new projects in the coming weeks.
While speaking at a brief ceremony in Uyo, Eno described criticisms as major catalysts that enhance improved performance, insisting, “If you want to do anything in this life and people don’t criticise, look back again and check.”
He, however, highlighted Akwa Ibom’s achievement as the only sub-national in Nigeria with an airline, while emphasising his administration’s commitment to developing critical infrastructure without incurring burden on the people.
Eno said the latest acquisitions of aircraft were funded by the state government, describing it as a rare unique approach that avoids traditional high-interest public financing.
“When we came into office, we promised to continue with what our past leaders have done, particularly, the immediate past administration of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
“For those criticising us, you have given us the reason to continue.
“Very soon, and in the next two weeks, we are laying the foundation for the Aviation Village.
“Before the end of December, we are flagging off the international market in Ikot Ekpene.
“Before the end of December, we are flagging off the Judicial Quarters in Uyo.
“Before the end of December, we are flagging our Special Ambulance Service in the state.
“In the next one week, we shall be harvesting from the employment portal, 5,000 young undergraduates and we will pay them N50,000 each.
“This month of November, I have just approved N1.2 billion for the payment of gratuities to our retirees.
“We are building roads and this month we are commissioning 72 projects in Akwa Ibom State,” the governor explained.
He added, “We are building compassionate homes; we are building schools; we are through with the Akwa Ibom food purchasing agency, distributing food to our local government areas.
“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four-star hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribund property to commercial use,” Eno added.
“By next year, the MRO behind us would have been fully ready. Then, we will begin to earn in foreign currency.
“Later on in December, we are going to partially open the brand-new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year,” the governor said.
The Chairman of Ibom Air, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment, crediting his financial strategy for the airline’s growth.
“This fourth aircraft within a year symbolises our resilience and the governor’s dedication to Akwa Ibom’s prosperity,” he said.
Jacob said that the funding approach adopted by the governor ensures that the funds are reinvested into the government, benefiting future developments.
Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom expressed pride in the airline’s progress, acknowledging the support of longstanding partners and the governor’s strategic vision.
He said the airline is moving towards a larger network that will connect more people to Akwa Ibom.
Also, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Udeme Otong, lauded Governor Eno’s financial prudence, noting that the governor has managed state resources effectively without requesting new loans from the assembly.
