The Biblical Matthew, in teaching Christian virtues and doctrines, spoke of the unequivocal value of good work or product. Such, according to him, can never be ignored,nor can it be hidden for long. In the exact words of Matthew, “a city set on a hill cannot be hidden…no one lights a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand that gives light to all who are in the house (city)”. In other words, like marketers would say, a good product markets itself!
The above, which started many years ago, even while Matthew was reporting the works of Master Jesus in the beginning of an era, held true in Akwa Ibom State recently. The teaching may be decades old, but the content remains significant in many perspectives and places. For, indeed, the good product needed no advertising to draw the popular acclaims from President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian Senators, who visited the emerging mega-city.
On May 29, 2007 Governor Godswill Akpabio, the true leader and torchbearer, lit a candle and mounted it on hill of uncommon transformation. Soon, Akwa Ibom State metamorphosed into a city of light on the hill! Today, the glow has attracted the high and the low in politics, business, tourism, and sports. From far and near, many have responded to an invitation to “come and see”, and none is yet to return disappointed. The more they visit, the greater the number that return or sponsor others to visit the state.
So it was as President Goodluck Jonathan and the 109 Senate could not resist the temptation to return to Akwa Ibom to witness more transformation. They also came to benefit from the well of vision and commitment that fueled the development. Before now, the president had visited the state about twice; each time leaving exhausted but satisfied after commissioning numerous quality projects. Each time, he had good words for Governor Godswill Akpabio, whom many agree, has given Nigerians hope with his ten spread of world class schemes. While Jonathan spent about 24 hours, the Senators spent five consecutive days enjoying the rich culture of Akwa Ibom people and learning from the feet of the master strategist and developer extraordinaire! Yes, they saw transformation in an uncommon style. They met with the “master” of uncommon transformation.
They spoke with him and sought for anointing so they could execute uncommon projects and programmes in their respective constituencies and districts.
The story of Akwa Ibom State transformation from a rural area status, to a destination of choice has brought “headache and confusion” to many. For in stance, as President of Nigerian, Jonathan is spared the doubt of fair knowledge of nooks and crannies of the component parts of the country. He is adjudged to be conversant of the terrain and geographical location of cities and the mega projects associated with some of the states. But, according to him, each time he steps on Akwa Ibom soil, positive surprise always awaits him. Thus, when he landed at Akwa Ibom International Airport and proceeded to inaugurate a 60-room edifice recently, Jonathan did not hide his feelings. And he looked evidently pleased at the number of dignitaries, women groups, youths and cultural troupes that lined up to receive him.
Last year, when Jonathan came visiting, the edifice was not at the airport. According to Akpabio, the project was taken up to provide the airport regulatory agencies with standard and conducive work place.
Soon, the customs, the immigrations, State Security Service, Police, Federal Airport Authorities of Nigeria, (FAAN) and others have no more excuses of not being on their toes. Hence, the president was apt in observing the timeliness of the project; noting that it would help Nigeria achieve reforms in the aviation industry. The availability of conducive work environment for the regulatory agencies would guarantee safety that keeps eluding the Nigerian aviation industry.
Shortly after, the Mr. President performed the foundation laying ceremony of the main Terminal building and inspected the Maintenance, Overall and Repairs (MRO) section. Very soon, the challenges of repairing Nigerian aircraft at distant nations will be over. The maintenance section would add to the ongoing work on a second runway of the airport.
Jonathan recalled at the occasion that the Akwa Ibom airport fulfilled its international flight dream when over 1000 pilgrims were lifted from there to Israel, Jerusalem and Greece. He also noted that the airport, which has greatly transformed Akwa Ibom into a destination, is truly of international standards. It maintains the best of lightings, from the tower to the 4 kilometer runway.
Globally, one issue that threaten airports is the intermittent invasion of birds and animals. In the running of airports, birds and animals straying to the runaways are absolute enemies. The movement of animals on ground can be easily controlled but that of birds are extremely difficult. Taking the two problems together, Akwa Ibom international airport has conquered practically. From inception, the airport has a high perimeter barbed-wire fence. In caging birds and other flying objects, standard bird scaring electronic devices are installed at strategic locations. Working automatically, the machines produce sounds that keep birds far off the zone at all times.
Aviation experts have variously testified that Akwa Ibom international airport is a huge endeavour considering its potentials and technical finishing even at its first phase. It is seen as an airport like no other. Moreover, the lighting and other landing systems are of the modern technology, making it very pilot’s delight. Certainly, hope is not lost foe Nigeria as Akpabio has brought relief to air travelers in the South South states.
Through the airport, a lot of people have been able to access Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states for social and economic undertakings. As noted by one observer, the airport is one of the best things to happen to the state, since 2009. The airport represents an index of advancement to the state and Nigeria in a whole lot of areas. It generates many downstream activities from employment opportunities, linkages, tourism to cargo operations. It is a rallying point for other economic activities deserving encouragement.
As President Jonathan attempts to reform the aviation sector, the template of what should be done to salvage it lies in the Akwa Ibom model. According to Jonathan, Nigeria desires a comfortable and safe air transportation system. Interestingly, the Akwa Ibom State airport is strategically located to serve as a key facility in the oil and gas rich zone of the Gulf of Guinea.
The administration of Godswill Akpabio has shown exemplary leadership capacity in the aviation industry. Already, about 251 Nigerians have been sent abroad to understudy major areas of airport handlings. It will enable Akwa Ibom state to provide aviation services beyond Nigerian shores. With proximity to nations like Sao – Tome, Cameroun, Angola, etc, expectations are that the MRO unit would be the nearest for aircraft checks, supported by leading oil companies using aircraft for operations.
At its peak, the airport will be beyond mere transportation of passengers and loads. It will be the prime mover of economic development in the state. Since Akwa Ibom has given the nation so much hope, the Nigerian government, private and public institutions must not wait for the delisting of the aviation sector from our books. All must team up to start all over again in aviation, using Akwa Ibom as the starting bloc, since it has made a mark as the uncommon transformation capital of Nigeria!
By Mr Akpan