Okorocha Wants Imo Airport Upgraded

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has called on the Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah-Ogiemwenyi to upgrade the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport to a full-fledged international cargo airport to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.

The governor was speaking when a delegation of air traffic controllers paid him a courtesy visit after their delegate’s conference in Owerri.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Nelson Ezodioha said “the location of the Sam Mbakwe Airport is strategic and cannot be isolated while the Federal government is repositioning other airports across the country in line with its transformation agenda.

He recalled the crucial roles played by the air traffic controllers in the aviation industry and urged them to help government in the development of safety in the airspace.

Meanwhile Medview Airlines, one of the airlines designated by the Federal government for air-lifting of pilgrims has assured of a hitch-free and timely exercise.

The General Manager of the airline, Mr. David Babatunde disclosed this to newsmen at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, while taking delivery of Boeing 749 aircraft.

Mr. Basbatunde who was accompanied by other officials of the company said “with these aircraft, Boeing 747 and another Boeing 767 that will fly into Nigeria from Portugal next week, pilgrims are assured of timely departure and arrival.

“We have done it for a couple of years. We are tested and I want to say we are trusted. I want to assure our pilgrims that the only thing that will be different in this year’s edition is better performance.

“For Medview, there is nothing like stranded passengers. We have our plans mapped out”, he said.