Onwuchekwa Onyebuchi, Owerri
For more than three decades after its inception, the Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri, will host its inaugural international flight on May 9th this year.
Investigator news reports that this followed the comprehensive upgrading of the runway and other facilities by Governor Hope Uzodimma .
Disclosing this to newsmen in Owerri,the State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, dropped the cheering news.
He noted that top dignitaries, including political and religious leaders and captains of industry, will be in Owerri to witness the maiden international flight from the airport.
Hon Emelumba went further to say that as parts of the ceremony,those embarking to this year’s Hajj from Imo State will be lifted direct from Owerri to the holy land
He also announced that Christian pilgrims will also be lifted to the holy land from the airport next month.
The Commissioner who expressed happiness opined that,soon international travellers from Imo State would no longer have to pass through other airports as the Sam Mbakwe International Airport is now ready to meet their needs.
He noted that the upgrade of the runway and the provision of night landing facilities at the airport were part of the deliberate effort by Uzodimma to boost the economy of the state.
According to him,”now that Imo airport will be on call for international flights, it would make it easier for would be investors from any part of the world to access Imo State for businesses.”
“the Imo diaspora community would now be more confident in returning home for festivities as against the tortuous journey of passing through other airports.”he submitted.
