Opinion: “Abia State Airport Flag-Off. A New Dawn for Ubaha-Nsulu People and Abia State” – By Okey Agbara

The historic flag-off of the Abia State Airport signals a new dawn for Ubaha-Nsulu and Abia State. With its bold commitment to modernization, economic diversification, and global connectivity, Abia State under Gov. Alex Otti is poised to redefine the region’s socio-economic landscape, according to the author of this piece. Read on.

The historic flag-off of the Abia State Airport marks a significant milestone in Ubaha-Nsulu and Abia State’s economic transformation. This monumental event, spearheaded by the Federal Government and in partnership with the Abia State Government, signals the commencement of a project poised to redefine the region’s socio-economic landscape. As the airport project moves from concept to reality, it promises to deliver far-reaching benefits that will catalyze growth and development in the state.

The Abia State Airport is not just an infrastructural project but a bold statement of the government’s commitment to modernization, economic diversification, and global connectivity. Positioned in Ubaha-Nsulu, a community historically known for its cassava economy, the airport symbolizes a shift from an agrarian-based economy to a digitally driven, service-oriented economic model. This shift aligns with the broader vision of Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti to accelerate Abia’s development and increase its national and international competitiveness.

Employment generation is one of the most immediate benefits of the airport’s development. During construction, thousands of jobs are expected for engineers, construction workers, suppliers, and support staff. This surge in employment will inject disposable income into the local economy, boosting demand for goods and services within the Ubaha-Nsulu community and surrounding areas.

The employment impact will be even more pronounced when the airport becomes fully operational. Roles in aviation management, ground handling, security, catering, retail, and customer service will be available. Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo’s call to prioritize employment for Abia State indigenes, particularly from Ubaha-Nsulu, underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development. This initiative will empower local communities, reduce unemployment, and curb youth restiveness.

The Abia State Airport is strategically positioned to become a vital trade, tourism, and commerce hub. As a gateway to South-East Nigeria, the airport will facilitate the swift movement of people, goods, and services. Local businesses, especially in the agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors, stand to benefit from improved access to domestic and international markets.

“The Abia State Airport is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a generational legacy.”

Agricultural producers in Ubaha-Nsulu and its environs will have a direct channel to export fresh produce, particularly perishable items, to other parts of Nigeria and beyond. This development will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ earnings. Entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also have greater access to national and international business opportunities, driving local wealth creation.

For the tourism sector, the airport’s presence will make Abia State more accessible to domestic and international visitors. The state’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, and tourist attractions will now attract a larger influx of tourists who can conveniently fly in and out of the state. This tourism boost is expected to contribute to Abia’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and enhance the growth of hotels, restaurants, transport services, and entertainment businesses.

The decision to site the airport in Ubaha-Nsulu comes with strategic intent, a deliberate effort to bridge the rural-urban divide and foster the digital economy. With the airport’s enhanced connectivity, Ubaha-Nsulu will transition from a community reliant on a cassava-driven economy to a hub of digital innovation and service-driven commerce. The influx of professionals, investors, and expatriates will stimulate the adoption of technology-driven services and create fertile ground for digital transformation.

Digital hubs, logistics centres, and e-commerce platforms will likely spring up around the airport, with Ubaha-Nsulu at the epicentre of this transformation. This shift will enable young people in the community to acquire digital skills and tap into emerging opportunities in e-commerce, fintech, software development, and outsourcing services. It also positions Ubaha-Nsulu as a potential destination for tech firms looking for a strategic foothold in the South-East.

The airport’s establishment will develop complementary infrastructure, such as access roads, power supply, water systems, telecommunications, and health facilities. The surge in infrastructural development will, in turn, stimulate urbanization in Ubaha-Nsulu, transforming it from a rural community to a bustling urban centre.

The construction of modern housing estates, business parks, shopping malls, and recreational centers will further elevate residents’ standard of living. Real estate development is expected to experience a boom as demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties increases. This urbanization process will bring about improved access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

“The airport project will stand the test of time. It will facilitate access to global markets and drive inclusive growth.”

The economic ripple effects of the Abia State Airport will extend to the state’s coffers. Revenue streams from passenger service charges, landing fees, cargo handling, aviation fuel sales, and other commercial activities within the airport will contribute significantly to Abia State’s IGR. The increase in IGR will empower the government to fund additional development projects and social welfare programs, ultimately improving the quality of life for the people of Abia.

The establishment of the airport will be accompanied by the deployment of enhanced security measures to protect travellers, goods, and infrastructure. The presence of security agencies, such as the police, immigration, and customs services, will increase the region’s overall security. Additionally, surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, and other technology-driven security solutions will be implemented to safeguard lives and property.

As the airport’s development gains momentum, Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo’s call for prioritizing Indigenous employment cannot be overstated. The call to “consider the natives first” for employment opportunities ensures that the primary beneficiaries of this project are the people of Ubaha-Nsulu and Abia State. Local content policies will ensure community members are directly engaged in the airport’s operations, from construction to ongoing maintenance and service provision.

The involvement of indigenous contractors, suppliers, and vendors will also support local businesses and provide a multiplier effect on the local economy. By creating a preference for native participation, the government will foster a sense of ownership and pride within the community, enhancing project sustainability.

The flag-off of the Abia State Airport is more than an infrastructure project; it is a generational legacy. It represents hope, opportunity, and progress for the people of Ubaha-Nsulu and Abia State. The airport project will stand the test of time by facilitating access to global markets, promoting digital transformation, and driving inclusive economic growth.

“The Airport is a testament to the vision and resolve of Gov. Otti and the support of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.”

The community’s journey from a cassava-based economy to a digital-driven economy underscores the transformative power of infrastructure development. The Abia State Airport is a testament to the vision and resolve of Dr. Alex Otti’s government and the support of forward-thinking leaders like Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo.

The Abia State Airport project is a game-changer for Ubaha-Nsulu and the entire state. Its profound and far-reaching benefits for employment creation, economic growth, trade facilitation, tourism promotion, and digital transformation are profound and far-reaching. As the project advances, the people of Ubaha-Nsulu must seize the opportunities it presents, from employment to business ventures. Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo’s advocacy for Indigenous jobs will ensure that local communities are the principal beneficiaries of this transformative project.

Backed by the steadfast support of the government, private sector, and local communities, the Abia State Airport is poised to emerge as a symbol of progress, a centre for commerce, and a driving force for sustainable development in Nigeria’s South-East region. It is a visionary project built to endure for generations.

The opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily align with the views of JolibaLive News! or any of its staff members. The author is in no way associated with this online news blog.

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