Abia state is among the states in the South Eastern part of Nigeria. It is
predominantly occupied by the Igbo nationality and has its capital at
Umuahia while Aba, an ancient town serves as a commercial metropolis in
the state.
Abia state was created out of the old Imo state and has been in existence
for twenty three years. The state has witnessed various administrations
under the leadership of both military and civilian administrators and
currently the state is governed by an astute politician an administrator
per excellence a visionary and focused servant leader, a passionate ruler
of our time, Chief Theodore Orji (Ochendo).
We make bold to say that Abia state for twenty three years of existence
deserves an airport .The state accommodates the major commercial nerve
centre East of the Niger (i.e Aba) and due to this important fact, it is
necessary for an airport to be established in Abia state and this explains
why Governor Theodore Orji’s led government should be applauded for an all
important decision to establish an airport rather than Abians dwelling on
unfounded and baseless criticism.
Abia state government on Thursday 31st October, 2013 in its Executive
Council meeting arrived at a decision to establish an airport in the
state. This action started with the setting up of an airport
implementation committee by the Executive Governor Chief T. A. Orji.
This Committee is headed by the state Deputy Governor Sir Emeka Ananaba.
This pronouncement triggered off many reactions both positive and
negative. For those Abians on the negative side of the reaction we plead
with you to join the band wagon, to encourage this vision considering it
to be a done deal and for those Abians on the positive side, please keep
blazing the trail.
Gov. Theodore Orji in spite of criticisms from few quarters has not
relented in his administration’s commitment to building an airport in
Abia state considering its importance to the good people of Abia, who
only travel by air either through Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, Imo state or
Port Harcourt Airport. Chief T. A. Orji (OCHENDO) believes that with an
Airport in place in the state, more investment and opportunities that will
in a long run aid the growth of existing facilities in the state and the
entire South East region shall be drawn. It is worthy of mention that the
location of Abia as the commercial and industrial nerve centre of the
South East undoubtedly makes it imperative for an airport to be cited in
the state. With an airport in the state, businesses and tourism potentials
of the state will be greatly enhanced; there will be an influx of
employment that will immensely generate developmental initiatives.
The actualization of this dream is possible, with a determined and focused
mind set. Chief T. A. Orji Ochendo can deliver the Airport project before
the expiration of his tenure as Governor in 2015. Let all Abians bear
their mind on the Akwa Ibom State Airport experience. The project was
initiated by the former Governor Victor Attah barely one year to the end
of his second term tenure and he made it near a completion stage before
final completion by his able successor Chief Godswill Akpabio and today,
Akwa Ibom state can boast of varieties of economic benefits accruable from
the establishment of the airport. Judging from the aforementioned, Abia
can boast of an airport in less than two years.
With deep sense of modesty, we want to implore all Abians
to join Chief T.A Orji to keep the airport dream alive and
shun unfounded and baseless criticism for the interest of
the state, the region and the nation at large.
Emeka Anya
Chairman