By Ejiro Shalokpe
Commercial flight operation has resumed at Osubi Airport, near Warri, after shutdown in March, 2020 as a result of outbreak of coronavirus.
Air Peace Airline, this morning, Friday July 9 landed the first commercial aircraft at the airport after 17 months of inactivity in the facility.
At hand to receive the ‘maiden flight’ were the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Mujakperuo Orhue 1, The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1 (JP), OON, Palace Chiefs, representatives of corporate organisations and cultural troupes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon Oborevwori said; “this is a milestone for the State and Okpe Local Government Area in particular.
“The strategic importance of the Airport to the oil and gas operations, and other commercial activities in the State cannot be over emphasized.
“In 2015, the number of passenger’s movements into the Airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Sector Reports, was 187,630 (one hundred and eighty seven thousand, six hundred and thirty). I believe this figure would be more as at the date the Airport was shut down.
“The implication of the above is that these passengers along with all the economic benefits were taken elsewhere. The loss of revenue to the State and the host community during this period cannot be quantified.
“Therefore, it is a thing of joy that the Airport is being reopened today for business”, the Speaker stated.
The full speech of RT. Hon Speaker Shrriff F. O. Oborevwori at the ceremony:
REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE SPEAKER OF THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON (ELDER) SHERIFF F.O. OBOREVWORI ( JP) FICMC AT THE REOPENING CEREMONY OF THE OSUBI AIRPORT ON FRIDAY 9TH JULY, 2021
Protocol:
Today is one of my happiest days and indeed a great pleasure to make this remarks.
2. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are here to witness the re- making of history. I say this because on the 17th of April, 1999 when the Osubi Airport was commissioned, it was first of its kind in the State. It attracted headlines as a major breakthrough in air transportation in the State. Unfortunately, following controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the Airport, it was closed in February, 2020.
3. One year after the shutdown, we are here gathered to witness the reopening of the Osubi Airport by the Federal Government. To me, this is a milestone for the State and Okpe Local Government Area in particular.
4. The strategic importance of the Airport to the oil and gas operations, and other commercial activities in the State cannot be over emphasized. In 2015, the number of passenger’s movements into the Airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Sector Reports, was 187,630 (one hundred and eighty seven thousand, six hundred and thirty). I believe this figure would be more as at the date the Airport was shutdown.
5. The implication of the above is that these passengers along with all the economic benefits were taken elsewhere. The loss of revenue to the State and the host community during this period cannot be quantified.
Therefore, it is a thing of joy that the Airport is being reopened today for business.
6. Let me seize this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the following persons towards the reopening of the Airport:
(a) First and foremost, I wish to thank our Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for making the reopening of the Airport a priority by engaging the Federal Government on the need to reopen the Airport. In keeping with his promise of the reopening without delay, His Excellency provided and installed all the safety requirements which include all procedures, practices and Covid – 19 protocols. His Excellency also provided an ambulance and made provisions for maintenance for the take-off of the reopening of the Airport. Your Excellency sir, we are grateful to you.
(b) Our special appreciation also goes to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for granting the approval for the reopening.
(c) I must also appreciate the very strategic role of our royal fathers. My Special thanks to His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
(d) In the same vein, I also wish to express my gratitude to my good friend and brother, Alfred Temile, for providing support for the first clearing of grasses in the Airport and maintenance of the fire truck. Thank you for your love and kindness.
(e) Furthermore, I wish to thank the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and their Management, which now have the management of the Airport under their purview.
In the same manner, I also wish to thank and urge the NNPC, NAPIMS and all the regulators to ensure the smooth running of the Airport.
(f) Finally, I am grateful to everyone that contributed in one way or the other for the approval of the reopening of the Airport.
7. Once again, I welcome you all to this epoch making ceremony. Thank you for your kind attention.
8. God bless you.
Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori (JP) FICMC Speaker, DTHA