… Lauds Gov. Dickson for preparing Bayelsa for the future
The Bayelsa International Cargo Airport has continued to attract massive attention ahead of its formal commissioning by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The multi billion naira project which is fully ready for inauguration has been described as one of the biggest pride of Bayelsans and people of the Niger Delta.
A former Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Dr. Olu Owolabi said the airport will lead Bayelsa to economic prosperity.
Dr. Owolabi who led other top management staff of the company to the airport on Wednesday, lauded Governor Seriake Dickson for thinking ahead of his time.
He described the aviation industry as a money spinner that needed to be explored by the government and private individuals, adding that Governor Dickson saw the prospect that was why he investeted masisvely on the project.
While highlighting the fact that the airport will also boost the revenue profile of the state, he said: “On behalf of SAHCOL and our team here, we commend the governor. Its not what you people are seeing here rather it is about what you people will enjoy in the next 30 to 40 yrs to come for Bayelsans.
“Its a massive set up and I believe by the grace of God we will accomplish it. It’s a good dream and we are very impressed.
We should commend His Excellency. This is a very good opportunity for Bayelsans because nobody will come from Lagos to work here. So Bayelsans will have employments.
“We came to check the facilities available, to locate where the Cargo warehouse is supposed to be and all that. I can tell you that everything is set right. The cargo warehouse is a village on its own, If you go to Dubai, London and all those countries ask of Cargo warehouse it’s a village of its own. To get this type of things right, you must do the right thing and I think the governor is doing the right thing.
“Don’t forget that we (SAHCOL) have the best and biggest warehouse in Africa. The warehouse on Cargo is an investment everybody is gearing up now for exports, food exports, crops and every other products. We should commend His Excellency”.
The Aviation expert said with the facilities on ground, when finally completed, the international cargo Airport would compete favourably with other Airports across the globe.
According to him, “the terminal building, runway, and Fire Bay are of international standard and these are the parameters look into for safety approval of
Airport of an International standard”.
Director General, Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Patience Ranami-Abah who accompained the team, said the Airport when it finally comes into operation would boost investment not only in the state but the entire region as a whole.
She added that it is not all about cargo, there are other businesses that people can venture into, to boost their individual economy.
“Today is a very exciting day because this is exactly the sort of opportunity that we love to promote. If you’re not visionary and forward looking you will miss investment opportunity to the actual things around.
“If you look around it’s not just about Cargo, anyone who’s visionary can think about establishing airport hangers, can think about maintenance, can think about supplying opportunities, can think about retail, can think about logistics, can even think about setting a hotel in this area”.
On his part, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airline, Captain Henry Ungbuku said after the final agreement is reached with SAHCOL for them to set up their cargo business, it will open a new Vista of opportunity for the government, in its quest to make the airport the right hub for export and import activities.
ENDS…
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