Joel Ajayi
Hon. Chidi Nwogu, a former Member of the House of Representatives for Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency, an aviation stakeholder, and Chairman of Safety Travels Ltd, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating with the Imo State Government and His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on the historic maiden international flight from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.
In a statement signed on Saturday, Hon. Nwogu revealed that the inaugural international flight, which marked the commencement of Hajj operations to Saudi Arabia, was operated by Air Peace and Allied Air. The milestone event was graced by the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Governor Uzodinma, and other prominent dignitaries from the aviation industry.
Imolites will recall with pride that the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, built over 40 years ago, stands out as the first airport in Nigeria initiated and realized through communal contributions from citizens across all walks of life, under the leadership of the late Governor Sam Mbakwe.
This remarkable achievement is not only a fulfillment of the dreams of the people but also a fitting tribute to the legacy of Dee Sam Mbakwe, for whom the airport is named.
Hon. Nwogu commended the Imo State Government for its dedicated and spirited efforts in upgrading the airport’s infrastructure under Governor Uzodinma’s administration. These improvements include the dualization of the access highway, extension of the runway, enhanced navigational aids, night landing facilities, and security upgrades. These strategic developments undoubtedly contributed to the federal aviation authorities granting international flight status to the airport.
This laudable development is expected to firmly establish the airport as a major aviation hub in the region and the country, thereby significantly boosting Imo State’s economy and connectivity.
