Business
Economic Interest Drives Co-operation With AirFrance –Amaechi
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State said his administration’s support to Air France KLM was in the economic and strategic interest of the development of the state.
Governor Amaechi gave the indication Tuesday night, during a dinner hosted in honour of the outgoing District Manager of Air France, Mr. Yann Gilbert, at the Banquet Hall of Government House Port Harcourt.
The governor, who commended the Management of Air France for being the only international airline that stayed on, and continued to operate during the period of the security challenges that confronted the state, explained that the steadfastness of the Airline, when others were leaving Port Harcourt at the height of security challenges, made the state government to reciprocate the gesture by directing all state government functionaries traveling abroad to patronise the airline.
Governor Amaechi, who hinted that he lost his platinum card from British Airways because of Air France, noted that since the decision to use the Airline, his trips abroad had been through the airline.
The governor thanked Mr. Yann for the bold initiative that had today translated to good relationship between the Airline and the state government, and urged the management to sustain the partnership.
He however, disclosed that the security challenges which confronted the state then had been laid to rest, as foreigners and other nationals resident in the state now move freely.
“If we have not overcome the security challenges, then we are near to overcoming it completely”, he declared, emphasising that one of the reasons for hosting the 17th National Sports Festival was to showcase that Rivers State can play host to over12,000 athletes without any incident of kidnap.
The State Chief Executive hinted that the days of crisis were gradually becoming over in the state, and lauded the security agencies over restoring peace in the state.
The Governor congratulated the outgoing Port Harcourt District Manager of Air France for maintaining the cordial relationship, and wished him well in his new assignment.
Responding, the outgoing District Manager of Air France/KLM, Mr. Yann Gilbert, commended the government and the people of Rivers State for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure in the state.
Mr. Yann said he arrived Port Harcourt when other airline operators were leaving the state as a result of the security challenges, adding that he decided to stay on, a decision which he said had paid off today, while appealing that the cooperation he received should be extended to his successor.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, said the state government organised the dinner to honour Mr Yann for demonstrating a true spirit of friendship and leadership, as he was available for the state whenever they needed his services.