The official flight of Akwa Ibom State, Ibom Air has announced the commencement of commercial flights to Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Speaking at the ceremony to commemorate the announcement, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, expressed happiness at the development, stating that his government will be happy to welcome more flights coming into the state.
According to the governor, “It gives me great joy to welcome an airline from the South-South, Akwa Ibom State. The South-South has been in the discourse for years in terms of development and resource control, the story is changing.
“Today, we do not have only one international airport as it used to be, today we have an airport in six states of the region. I like to at this point acknowledge my predecessor who was visionary in the construction of this airport. What we are doing today is historic.
“Last year we were here in larger numbers to welcome the first commercial flight in Bayelsa and this airport was ecstatic. Today, we are seeing something different, here is a collaboration between a privately owned company with Ibom air, as a government we will be glad to have more flights coming into Yenagoa and that is why the government is visible at this event.
“Let me at this junction appreciate my brother, Gov. Udom Emmanuel who has been in the saddle for about 7 years now. He has been a good brother and one who has the capacity to lead his people and he has shown it in many ways including the advent of Ibom air.
“The location of the Bayelsa airport is central and well located to attract passengers. We believe that going forward, more people will be hooked on Bayelsa State. Let me appreciate our leaders and elders who are here today.”
Attendees at the event include the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; members representing Sagbama/Ekeremor and Ogbia Federal Constituencies; members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Akwa Ibom State commissioners for Housing and Environment, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, and Charles Udoh, and other top government functionaries.
