The initiative by the Rivers State Government to partner the Ethiopian Government on direct flight operations to Port Harcourt International Airport has been described as an economic booster.
This was the view of the Nyesrisi Eli Woji, King Leslie N. Eke when he spoke with newsmen at his palace in Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area last Wednesday.
The monarch pointed out that the Port Harcourt-Ethiopia direct flight would increase the rate of business activities in the state upon its take-off.
According to him, since flight is the fastest means of transportation, business operators would have the opportunity to record high turn over rate.
The Eze Oha Evo of Evo Kingdom, maintained that business activities in the state would wear an international look with the planned Port Harcourt-Ethiopia direct flight operations.
The monarch who is the Eze Gbakagbaka and General Secretary, Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON), also noted that the initiative would bring about job creation, thereby addressing the issue of unemployment.
He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his foresightedness and determination to list the state among developed cities of the world.
“The governor’s plan to introduce direct flight operations from Ethiopia to Port Harcourt, to my mind, is just to enable him list the state among big and developed towns across the globe”, he said.
King Eke explained that the best way to develop a state was to introduce several business angles in order to make room for all classes of business operators.
He, however, appealed to the governor to consider sponsoring some students who may be interested in becoming pilots so as to enable the state have its own trained pilots.
Meanwhile, the traditional ruler called on the Federal Government and its relevant agencies to key into Governor Wike’s initiative and perfect all processes that would encourage its early take -off.