“Abia State Assured Us It Would Provide the Required Counterpart Funding to Upgrade the Airstrip to an International Airport” — Festus Keyamo Hails Governor Otti’s Vision for Abia Airport as Gov. Otti Unveils New Aircraft Named In Honour of Prof. Chinua Achebe and Igwe Alfred Achebe

…says “Governor Otti Met Mr. President and Insisted on a Full-Fledged Airport, Not an Airstrip. His Determination and Financial Commitment Have Been Crucial to the Progress of the Abia Airport Project”

The Executive Governor of Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has once again received national recognition for his bold aviation vision as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, publicly commended the Governor’s determination and commitment to transforming the proposed Abia airstrip into a full-fledged international airport.

The commendation came during the unveiling ceremony of United Nigeria Airlines’ two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft named after the late globally-renowned literary icon and author of Things Fall Apart, Professor Chinua Achebe, and the highly respected traditional monarch and Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

The colourful event held at the Nesto Aviation Services (NESTAV), Gate 4 Access Road, Local Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, attracted top government officials, aviation stakeholders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and other distinguished guests from across the country.

While the unveiling celebrated the achievements of United Nigeria Airlines and honoured two eminent Nigerian personalities, a major highlight of the event was the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of Governor Alex Otti’s unwavering resolve in driving the Abia Airport Project to reality.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, outlined the Federal Government’s ongoing aviation reform agenda and emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration with industry stakeholders in advancing the sector.

The Minister particularly praised Governor Otti’s strategic vision and commitment to aviation infrastructure development in Abia State. He disclosed that the original proposal before the Federal Government was merely for an airstrip.

However, Governor Otti personally engaged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strongly advocated for the establishment of a full-fledged airport instead of a limited airstrip facility.

According to Keyamo, Governor Otti not only demonstrated exceptional determination in pursuing the project but also assured the Federal Government that Abia State was prepared to provide the required counterpart funding needed to upgrade the proposal into an international airport capable of accommodating larger aircraft and supporting greater economic activities.

The Minister noted that the Governor’s commitment, financial readiness, and insistence on delivering world-class infrastructure have been instrumental in the remarkable progress already recorded at the airport site.

In a significant assurance to the people of Abia State, Keyamo revealed that the Federal Government would soon begin injecting funds into other critical airport infrastructure in fulfillment of its commitment to the project, further strengthening the partnership between both governments in delivering the ambitious aviation facility.

Governor Alex Otti, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Minister for supporting private sector participation in the aviation industry and for his encouragement towards the Abia Airport Project.

The Governor also commended the Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, for immortalizing two great Nigerian icons through the naming of the newly acquired aircraft.

“For remembering to honor our people, you will be honored,” Governor Otti said.

Governor Otti further applauded the Minister’s aviation reforms, especially the initiative aimed at establishing an aircraft leasing company, describing it as a strategic intervention that would strengthen local airlines and improve their access to global aviation markets.

“What you’ve done is to hedge the local airlines so they come behind the strong tower of government and you can negotiate once your hands are strong, but if all of them go individually, they may not even get the attention of Boeing.

“So, I want to commend you and encourage you for that,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor also disclosed that construction works at the Abia Airport runway have reached an advanced stage and reaffirmed Abia State’s readiness to serve as a major aviation hub, including becoming a hub for United Nigeria Airlines as earlier envisioned by the Aviation Minister.

Earlier, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, explained that the acquisition of the two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry, driven largely by reforms introduced by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation.

He noted that the aircraft were named after Professor Chinua Achebe in recognition of his immense contributions to global literature and after Igwe Alfred Achebe in honour of his exemplary traditional leadership, corporate accomplishments, and service to national development.

Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed confidence in the future of United Nigeria Airlines and commended Governor Alex Otti’s transformational leadership in Abia State.

Describing the Governor in glowing terms, Onyema said he is “the pride of the South-East, the pride of Nigeria, and the pride of democracy,” adding that the developmental strides recorded under his administration have restored hope and confidence in governance.

In his response, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, expressed profound gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the honour bestowed upon him and reflected on his long-standing relationship with the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe. He also commended the airline for its contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The event featured the presentation of recognition plaques by the management of United Nigeria Airlines to notable individuals for their contributions to the growth of the airline and the aviation industry.

Governor Alex Otti personally presented plaques to the late Chinua Achebe, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and other distinguished personalities and captains of industry.

Governor Otti was also honoured with a plaque of recognition presented by Igwe Alfred Achebe.

The climax of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft by Governor Alex Otti, symbolizing another milestone in the growth of indigenous aviation in Nigeria.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Director-General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, Dr. Uju Ifejika, royal fat hers, industry leaders, and other prominent Nigerians.