Akanu Ibiam International Airport
The historic take-off of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu took place on Saturday amidst celebrations as an Ethiopian Airlines flight landed at the international wing of the airport on schedule.
The grand opening marked the commencement of commercial international flight operations in the South-East of Nigeria and hallmarks the fulfillment of the promise made to people of the zone by President Goodluck Jonathan while campaigning for their votes in the run-up to the 2011 presidential election.
On board the inaugural flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, were Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime and Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Governors of the South East states present at the event were Peter Obi of Anambra, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi and Theodore Orji of Abia.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah whose ministry executed the project; Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; and Health, Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The aircraft which which did the inaugural flight, was expected to leave for Ethiopia with passengers later. A carnival-like atmosphere pervaded the environment as colourfully-dressed traditional dancing troupes entertained the crowd that thronged airport grounds to witness the historic opening.
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