Dipo Olowookere
One of the airline operators in Nigeria, AZMAN Air, has commenced flight services in Imo State. Aircrafts of the company will make use of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, the state capital. The airport is reportedly the third busiest airport in the country because of the high traffic it records, overtaking Enugu International Airport.
This feat is part of efforts of the administration of Governor Emeka Ihedioha towards improving the Ease of Doing Business in the state since he assumed office in May 2019.
Last week, Mr Ihedioha received the management of the airline at the Government House. He expressed optimism that flight operations of the airline will enhance tourism and boost business in the state.
According to him, Imo State ranks 5th in the National Gross Domestic Product, (GDP), but expressed worry that the revenue to the state is not commensurate with such rating.
Imo State ranks 34th among the 36 states and the FCT in the Ease of Doing Business rating, published prior to the inauguration of the present administration.
Governor Ihedioha, on assumption of office, and in fulfilment of his promise, set up a desk on Ease of Doing Business, with the mandate to improve, assiduously the rating, with a view to restoring investors’ confidence.
He commended AZMAN Air for bringing its operations in the state at a time his administration is rebuilding its infrastructure after eight years of avoidable mal-administration of the past administration.
He said the operations of the airline in the state will encourage other airline operators to consider Imo their next business destination.
Earlier in his remarks, leader of the delegation and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Mr Faisal Abdulmunaf, assured Governor Ihedioha, that the airline will render first class service
in conformity with aviation regulations and standards.
Among those present at the visit include HRM Eze Cletus Ilomunaya, Elvis Agukwe, Dan Nwanyanwu, Adanna Enwereuzo, Awal Abubakar, Saminu Tanko, Nurudeen Aliyu, Tina Okebu, Iwegbu Chris and Greg of Hezekiah University, Uturu
