Ibom Air: Gov Obaseki Commissions Two New Airbuses

 

Two air busses added to Ibom air Fleets

By Freshgist

The Executive governor  of  Edo State, HE Godwin Obaseki has commissioned two Airbus A320-200  recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government into the fleet of Ibom Air. 

Performing the Inauguration at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Tuesday, Obaseki declared Akwa Ibom as flagship state in the country for its effort to invest and expand in a sector he said Nigeria as biggest country in Africa could not successfully run.

He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his significant strides in the aviation sector. 

"Even Nigeria as biggest country in Africa cannot run an Aviation sector successfully. Ibom Air is always fully booked. Let me thank you on behalf of Nigerians. Don't be deterred by insult, focus on your goal". He advised

Delivering the aircrafts to Ibom Air, Governor Udom Emmanuel said the addition was In  response to the demands of the season.

Emmanuel said as responsible administration, he has committed huge resources to the development of the aviation sector in the state. 

He said he had committed more funds than  received from the federal government to the development of the state, even as he was at the verge of commissioning a world class Terminal Building and a Maintainance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. 

"We did not come to give excuses, we came to do governance. Look at what we have done in the aviation sector, if it is not more than what we have collected, then you can challenge me anywhere. 

"Our terminal building there is world class in Africa, our MRO is world class . If  you find one today in the entire Gulf of Guinea, tell me I will break down this one and construct another. This MRO can take 24/47 800 series.  Would service eight of the CRJs that we are flying at the same time. This is the only MRO in this part of the world. People are coming, asking us to lease this MRO. 

 "I invest in areas we can have return on our investment. Airbus is on us to come and use our MRO for all their regional flights. We are going to open up this place from January next year for commercial activities and we are going to earn in dollars, not Naira". He said 

In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Ibom Airlines Limited, Captain Mfon Udom announced plans to commence regional flight from 2023. 

He said the new addition to the fleet of Ibom Air would not only expand it carrying capacity but would also boost employment opportunity by 40per cent. 

In a release earlier, the Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Uries had earlier hinted

"With this new capacity coming on board, we are delighted to inform our passengers that we have increased our offerings, providing more frequencies for their convenience. 

"The Uyo-Lagos and Uyo-Abuja route now have three frequencies every weekday, while our passengers between Lagos and Abuja will have seven frequencies to choose from both ways, every weekday”.  

The two Airbus A320-200 aircrafts were said to have been procured from GetJet Airlines UAB (operating as GETJET), a European aircraft leasing company, on a one year wet-lease agreement. The new addition brings the fleet to  seven Aircrafts; five (5) Bombardier CRJ 900 and two (2) Airbus A320-300, covering seven (7) destinations.

Group Donates Solar Energy To School in Akwa Ibom

The class of ‘84, Old Students Association of Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has donated a 3.5 KVA Solar Energy to their alma mater.

 

The Captain, Class of ‘84  ESV Akan Umo-Otong who led his class mates in the laudable gesture  went down memory lane, recalling the conception of the idea, the selection of the contractor from several bidders and the completion of the project to the specifications of the class. 

Speaking during the presentation of the solar recently, Umo-otong explained that the project which was conceived during their visit to their alma mater during their 2019 Reunion  was slowed down by the outbreak of COVID-19 and the resultant lockdown in 2020.

According to him, the project is in two phases, assuring that the next phase which will start soon will provide the solar energy for the boys dining hall and preparatory classes. 

He thanked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for keying into their concept and co-sponsoring the project, calling on them to stand by them as they begin the second phase in earnest.

The representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Ntaji thanked the class for the zeal to give back to their alma mater and promised to forward their request for further support to the appropriate quarters with an assurance that their request will be obliged. 

Mr Ntaji called on the principal of the college to ensure security and maintenance of the project so that it will stand the test of time. 

The principal of the school Mr. J. N. Ezeogu expressed gladness for the kind gesture, seeing the project as a good and welcome development, adding that it is a laudable example of giving back to society that made them what they are today.

 He said that the project was timely as it will illuminate the female dining hall and preparatory classes, he thanked the Central Bank of Nigeria for contributing to the success of the project.

The high point of the occasion was the commissioning of the project by The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Ephraim Udosen.

 The commissioner who is also in the class of ‘84 of the college recalled with nostalgia their sojourn in the school and thanked his colleagues, the CBN for making the project a reality and successive principals for keeping the fire burning.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the school Head girl Miss. Nomu Ruth Baribefi thanked the donors on behalf of the students and expressed her happiness and appreciation for the project, saying it will help them in their academic work.

The class of ‘84 Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene is a formidable ensemble of students who graduated from the college in 1984 having gained knowledge and character from the institution.