Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, a renowned professor, entrepreneur, and investor, has expressed his gratitude to the President of Nigeria for including the construction of an airstrip in Abia State in the Federal Government’s budget. A team from the Ministry of Aviation recently visited Abia State to inspect the proposed site for this new airport, signaling a significant step forward for the state’s infrastructure development.
“I want to thank Mr. President for considering my state for the airstrip project, which has been captured in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s budget,” stated Professor Ekekwe. “I also commend Mr. Governor for his vision to upgrade the airstrip to a full airport. With the substantial financial support from the federal government and a modest contribution from the state, we can turn this vision into reality.”
Professor Ekekwe emphasized that the new airport will complement, not replace, the ongoing development of railway and road networks within the state. “This airport project does not diminish the importance of the planned railway and road networks that the state is currently working on. With the federal government’s funding, Abia will soon have its own airport,” he added. “Mr. President, we need more investments like this!”
Highlighting the necessity of the new airport, Professor Ekekwe pointed out the inconvenience of existing airports. “The Imo airport is more than 2.5 hours away from Ovim, the one in Enugu is even farther, and the Port Harcourt airport is also quite distant. Abia needs an airport that can connect all Abians within an hour. This is a crucial part of our infrastructure equation.”
In a strong call to action, Professor Ekekwe urged the key stakeholders to expedite the project. “Mr. President, Mr. Governor, Mr. Minister, just do it. Period! If there are challenges with this project, let’s address them, but it should not hinder the state’s overall development plans.”
