As the Victor Attah International Airport kick-starts international operations, with a maiden flight from Uyo to Ghana, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus keyamo, SAN, has described the Airport as a transit hub, remarkably unique, and a pace setter in Nigeria's aviation sector.
The Minister made the remarks today May 2, 2026, at a brief ceremony held at the Airport ground to celebrate and launch the maiden international flight from the airport.
Keyamo noted that Akwa Ibom State was gradually transforming into a Dubai in Nigeria given its superlative infrastructural renaissance and the impact on the region and the country.
"This Airport is not just one of those airports, not just a terminal building, but a world-class transit hub with immense impact.
"With this facility, passengers are afforded the opportunity of transferring their flights from international to international; domestic to international; and international to domestic," he explained.
According to the Minister, "This kind of services do not exist in any sub-national anywhere in the country but only here in this airport. This is not just the best, it is the only existing one, a pacesetter, in the country."
He acknowledged the economic impact and ripple effects of the airport on the State and the country generally, describing them as massive and intense.
The Minister commended Governor Umo Eno for his rare commitment to completing the project and actualising the international status.
In his remark, Governor Eno attributed the success of the heartwarming revolution of the Airport to the visionary leadership of his predecessors.
He said, "It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership; from Obong Victor Attah, to Chief Godswill Akpabio, to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and to me. They have individually contributed their own quotas in an exceptional way for our common good."
The Governor particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu "for his love and timely release of funds to the sub-nationals to enable them execute projects, such as the Victor Attah Int'l Airport - a world-class transit hub."
He also appreciated Keyamo for his special interest and commitment towards the realization of the international status of the airport.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emem Bob, thanked Governor Eno for his foresight and determination to get the airport upgraded to an international one.
In their separate remarks, the Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem; the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Engr. George Uriese; and the Chairman of the firm that handled the construction of the new terminal,VKS, Engr. Oliver Ebong, commended Governor Eno for overcoming all challenges and pushing them positively to realize the maximum potential of the VAIA.
The event was graced by the presence of the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political stalwarts; clergies; and other Government functionaries.
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