JUST IN: Umo Eno hails Ibom Air's Uyo-Accra flights, reaffirms commitment to human capital development

Business, Economy & Policy

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has hailed the commencement of Ibom Air’s scheduled commercial international flights between Uyo and Accra, describing the development as a major milestone for the state’s aviation, tourism and economic growth.

The governor, who was aboard the inaugural flight from the recently upgraded Victor Attah International Airport to Ghana’s capital, said the launch fulfilled his administration’s promise to commence international flight operations before the end of June.

“I am delighted to join Ibom Air on the commencement of its scheduled commercial international flights between Uyo and Accra, fulfilling the promise we made to Akwa Ibom people before the end of June,” Eno said in a statement on Monday.

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According to the governor, the new international route will strengthen regional connectivity while opening fresh opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and economic development.

“This milestone opens new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and regional connectivity while strengthening Akwa Ibom’s position as a growing aviation hub,” he said.

Eno also reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in human capital, revealing that one of the pilots on the inaugural flight was among the young Akwa Ibom indigenes sponsored by the state government for professional pilot training.

“This is another reminder that investing in our people is as important as investing in infrastructure,” he said.

The governor noted that the achievement reflects his administration’s strategy of combining infrastructure development with investments in education, skills acquisition and professional capacity building.

The commencement of the Uyo-Accra service comes days after the Federal Government upgraded the Victor Attah Airport to international status.

Newpost Africa reports that Eno expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the airport’s international designation, describing the decision as a significant boost to Akwa Ibom’s economic and aviation aspirations.

He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his support and collaboration in achieving the milestone.

“Your dedication, cooperation and shared vision have been instrumental in the progress recorded within the aviation sector,” the governor said.