Stakeholders laud Oduah over A-Ibiam Airport ON AUGUST 31, 20169:31 AMIN NEWSCOMMENTS By Elizabeth Uwandu ENUGU—Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu stakeholders have commended the former Minister of Aviation, now representing Anambra North Senatorial zone, Senator Stella Oduah for implementing Federal    Government’s good intention to make Enugu an international airport. Akanu-Ibiam-International-Airport The commendation was made when the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi along with business moguls and top political office holders in South East welcomed the first cargo flight to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The airplane, a Boeing B757, operated by Ethiopian Airlines has the capacity to carry bulk cargo as many travellers in the zone bring in a lot of cargo from their trips. Amid fanfare and excitement by a large crowd who came to witness the event, the people gave kudos to Oduah who actualized the dream of the South East people and also facilitated the building of international terminal at the airport and the designation of Ethiopian Airlines to operate there. Reacting to the event, the General Manager, Public Affairs of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati said FAAN was implementing the lofty plan of Sen Hadi Sirika, Minister of state Aviation, to ensure air connectivity to different parts of the country, noting that the present administration has continued to respond to the yearnings of the people. Dati added that government has it in its plans to designate more airlines to operate international flights, especially now that international terminals of the airport is almost ready. With cargo flights to the airport, the federal government has made it possible for businessmen and women to bring their cargo through the airport, as the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company PLC had earlier built a cargo warehouse at the airport. Addressing the large crowd of people on the occasion, Governor Ugwuanyi described the event as an historic occasion that would increase the profile of the airport and boost the economy of the state and the entire South East zone. The Governor said it was noteworthy that the cargo plane landed exactly three years after the maiden flight of Ethiopia Airlines to Enugu on August 24, 2013 when the people welcomed the first ever- international flight to Enugu. “Today we have gathered again to celebrate the first landing of cargo at this same airport, and which once more has happened courtesy of the Ethiopian Airlines,” he said.