Imo Airport Host Communities Laud Uzodimma Over Increased, Peaceful Operations At Imo Airport

……………Commend Keyamo, FAAN MD; Pass Vote of Confidence on Kaduru, Airport Manager

Leaders and stakeholders from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Host Communities, have expressed happiness over the steady increase in operations at the airport, and the peace and security currently being experienced at the facility, in Ngor Okpala LGA, and across Imo state, particularly during the last Christmas celebrations. According to them, these positive developments are the outcomes of the proactive governance style of Gov Hope Uzodimma, warranting their gratitude and commendations to the Governor for being faithful to his promise to recover, rehabilitate, and reconstruct all sectors of Imo State.

The leaders and stakeholders drawn from the four communities of Obiangwu, Logara, Umuohiagu, and Ezemba, who gave the commendation at a recent meeting facilitated by Hon Chukwuma Anuforo, the Governor’s Liason Officer as well as the President of Onyeaghala nwanneya Youth Movement (OYM) also used the platform to applaud the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Dr Olubumi Kuku, Hon Obinna Egu, member representing Ngor Okpala State Constituency in the Imo State Assembly, Dr Chijioke Kaduru, convener of the Nkwa Chi Kwere movement, and the Airport manager, for supporting Gov Uzodimma in various ways to deepen ongoing development, improve security and peace at the airport and in the host communities; as well as cementing the partnership and trust between both parties.

Speaking at the meeting which was convened to appraise activities of the youth body in 2025 and articulate a roadmap for 2026, Hon Chukwuma Anuforo disclosed that the zero insecurity witnessed in the airport and surrounding communities at Christmas and up till today; as well as the unprecedented spike in its operations as has never been seen before in its history, are all products of the visionary leadership Gov Uzodimma. He noted that the cause of the ballooning operations at the airport was as a result of the Governor’s committment and dedicated efforts to transform the airport to a world class facility that meets global aviation standards. He stressed that he has done that through massive infrastructure upgrade, amongst which are installation of night navigational facilities, dualisation and solarisation of the airport roads, and remodelling and retrofitting of the terminal facilities.

Hon Anuforo disclosed that this new lease of life has dramatically transformed the fortunes of the airport, thereby motivating leaders of the area like Hon Obinna Egu and Dr Chijioke Kaduru, and the teeming population of youths to contribute their quota towards sustaining the enhanced operations and security at the airport, and across the host communities. Hon Anuforo stressed that apart from support to the Governor by indigenes of the area, Federal Government officials, notably the Minister of Aviation, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN and the Managing Director Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Dr Olubumi Kuku, have also been partnering with State to bring more development to the the airport. He, therefore, applauded them, urging them to remain steadfast in that partnership with the State Government.

The youth leader also praised the airport manager for her rare and exemplary leadership, especially her Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, which he noted are the first of its kind in the history of the airport. According to him, gestures from the airport that include school fees for selected students from poor homes and welfare packages to the people and leaders of the host communities are novel and excellent; just as he lauded the close relationship between her and the human resources head, and staffers of the facility.

Continuing, he highlighted Hon Obinna Egu’s pivotal role towards sustaining security, peace and development in the area, stressing that he does that through consistent engagements with youths of the communities.

The Councillor for Umuohiagu/Logara Ward in the Ngor Okpala Legislative Council, Hon Uba Eke, in his contributions, urged the airport authority to consider absorbing youths of the area who have worked for many years as casuals, arguing that they have contributed to the sustenance of the conducive atmosphere and productivity of the airport. He further thanked Dr Chijioke Kaduru, an indigene of the area, for his applaudable effort in supporting Gov Uzodimma’s efforts at transforming the airport global standard, with the provision of two brand new coaster buses to enhance passenger handling as well as contributions to solarise parts of the airport premises to enhance security and ease operations.

The lawmaker, who noted that the governor is the first in the history of this republic to demonstrate genuine interest in changing the fortune of the airport, also passionately appealed to him to also use his good office to ensure equity and fairness define the politics of 2027, especially in Owerri Zone. According to him, there has been zero equity in the zone’s politics, especially with regard to the Senate Seat, with Ngor Okpala at the receiving end of the unjust system. He pointed out that while the other blocs of Owerri, Mbaike, and Mbaise have all held the office many times, Ngor Okpala has not for even once been allowed the opportunity to represent the zone, creating a strong need for Ngor Okpala to take its turn next year.

In one unanimous voice vote the large gathering passed a vote of confidence on Dr Kaduru and the airport manager for their productive partnership at making the airport the best in the country, as part of the overall collaboration between the Federal Government, the Imo State Government, and the host communities of the airport.