Jonathan in Kebbi, commissions multi-billion Naira airport

From Ahmed Idris,

Birnin-Kebbi

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid a one-day official working visit to Kebbi state, to commission the multi-billion Naira Ahmadu Bello International Airport and to officially flag-off the federal government afforestation programme, tagged: “the Green Wall Project.”

The President commended the foresight of Governor Dakingari for constructing the airport with state-of-the-art aviation facilities, assuring states government across the country of federal government’s willingness to partner with them in developing the aviation industry.

President Jonathan stated that the airport will facilitate air travel linkages with neighbouring francophone countries, to improve commerce and other economic activities, which will help boost the economies, pointing out that the federal government has taken keen interest in the development of not only of Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport but all other airports in the country, because of the importance of the aviation sector.

He explained that six PDP states of Delta, Akwa Ibom ,Jigawa, Kebbi, among others, have built standard airports while the federal government also built an international airport in Enugu .

In his welcome address, the state Governor, Sa’idu Usman Dakingari stated that the airport, which was upgraded to international standard for the landing of Boeing 747 aircraft, will also generate N2.3 billion annually to the Nigerian economy, boost commerce and tourism, as well as improving movement of agricultural products.

The President, whose aircraft touched down at exactly 11:05 am, was accompanied by Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka , Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Malam, Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu (SAN).

On hand to receive the President and his entourage were the Emirs of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru, top politicians in the state as well as other important dignitaries across the country.