By Mary Emmanuel
UYO-The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for what he described as visionary leadership, following the formal reception of a brand-new Airbus A220-300 acquired for Ibom Air.
The aircraft was received at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, during a colourful water-canon ceremony attended by government officials, aviation stakeholders, traditional rulers, political leaders and other dignitaries.
Akpabio described Governor Eno as “a gift to Akwa Ibom ,” saying his administration’s investment in aviation, human capital development and continuity in governance had demonstrated a commitment to the long-term growth of the state.
He particularly praised the governor for sustaining projects initiated by previous administrations, describing such continuity as a demonstration of unity and responsible leadership.
The Senate President also lauded Governor Eno for investing in the training of aviation professionals, noting that the development of indigenous manpower was critical to building a sustainable aviation industry.
He said the acquisition of the new aircraft represented not only an expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet but also a strategic investment in the economic future of Akwa Ibom.
Akpabio stressed that the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom remained paramount, assuring that he would continue to work with the governor and other stakeholders to advance the interests of the state.
He said collaboration, rather than confrontation, remained the best approach to achieving meaningful development and ensuring that the people benefited from government programmes and investments.
The Senate President’s remarks came as Akwa Ibom celebrated another milestone in its aviation journey, with the arrival of the new Airbus, further strengthening Ibom Air’s position in Nigeria’s aviation industry and reinforcing the state’s ambition to become a major aviation, tourism and economic hub in the South-South region.
Governor Eno in his speech,described the arrival of the Airbus A220-300 as a major milestone in Akwa Ibom’s aviation development and the fulfilment of a vision initiated by previous administrations.
Eno particularly hailed Captain Ruth Adebanwo, who piloted the brand-new aircraft into Nigeria, describing her as a pride to women and a symbol of what women could accomplish when given the opportunity.
The governor announced that the aircraft had been fully registered to Ibom Air, describing its arrival as further evidence of his administration’s determination to expand the airline and position Akwa Ibom as a strategic aviation hub.
He recalled that only two weeks earlier, he had led a delegation to Mirabel, Canada, to inspect the aircraft at its manufacturing facility, making its arrival in Uyo a moment of gratitude and fulfilment.
Eno appreciated President Bola Tinubu, Senate President, Akpabio and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for the approval that granted Victor Attah International Airport, an international airport status.
He said the development had enabled the aircraft to fly directly from Maastricht in Europe to Uyo, describing it as a significant departure from the past.
The governor disclosed that Ibom Air currently has 30 pilots, including 14 indigenes of Akwa Ibom trained by the state government, while 16 engineers of the airline are also indigenes of the state. He added that 10 other engineers were undergoing training at the College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, while 10 cadet pilots were being trained in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“We are building an ecosystem and gradually bringing our sons and daughters to take root in what is their own,” Eno said, noting that although Ibom Air was a national airline, the state was deliberately developing indigenous capacity within the aviation ecosystem.
He said the aviation ecosystem had created about 2,000 direct jobs, describing the development as a major achievement in the state’s economic diversification and youth empowerment efforts. He also dismissed rumours that Ibom Air prevented other airlines from operating at the Victor Attah International Airport, explaining that the facility was managed by the appropriate federal aviation authorities and remained open to operators that met the necessary requirements.
According to the governor, “We are ready for business, and safety and security are assured.”
He further linked the aircraft reception to activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary, saying the occasion offered an opportunity to appreciate the state’s founding fathers and past leaders whose visions had contributed to its development.
Eno called for sustained support for Ibom Air, stressing that the airline remained central to his administration’s ambition of transforming Akwa Ibom into a leading tourism destination in the South-South.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, appreciated Governor Eno for his commitment to expanding the airline’s fleet and strengthening its operations.
He said the large turnout of dignitaries from across Nigeria to witness the aircraft’s reception demonstrated the growing significance of Ibom Air in the Nigerian aviation industry.
Udom said the arrival of the Airbus A220-300 would enhance the airline’s operational capacity and facilitate expanded flight services, including scheduled operations between Uyo, Abuja and Lagos, as well as selected destinations across Africa.
He also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Aviation, financial institutions and other strategic partners whose contributions facilitated the successful acquisition of the aircraft.
The pilot of the aircraft, Captain Ruth Adebanwo described its safe arrival as a moment of great pleasure and gratitude, thanking God for the safe journey of the crew.
She also commended Governor Eno for personally travelling to Mirabel, Canada, to inspect the aircraft before its delivery, saying his presence demonstrated his commitment to the continued growth of Ibom Air and the aviation sector in Akwa Ibom.
“We are grateful to God for a safe journey and for making it possible for us to bring this brand-new Airbus A220-300 home safely. The aircraft is a significant step forward for Ibom Air, with advanced technology, fuel-efficient engines, reduced noise levels, extended range and enhanced passenger comfort,” Captain Adebanwo said.
She assured passengers that Ibom Air’s pilots and crew remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational excellence.
In their respective goodwill messages, the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem S. Abia, and Chief Assam Assam commended the state government for its sustained investment in aviation infrastructure and human capital development.
They described the new aircraft as a significant achievement capable of improving connectivity, stimulating economic activities, creating employment opportunities and strengthening Akwa Ibom’s tourism and investment prospects.
The reception of the Airbus A220-300 marks another significant chapter in the development of Ibom Air and reinforces Akwa Ibom State’s ambition to establish itself as a major aviation, tourism and economic hub in the South-South.