Asaba Int’l Airport: FG Kicks Off Construction Of Cargo Terminal *As Uduaghan Lauds Jonathan’s Rural Economy Boost

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (middle), flanked by Mrs Stella Oduah (2nd right), Minister of Aviation; Rt Hon Funkekeme Solomon (2nd left) and Mr Oche Victor Elias (right) S.A to the Aviation Minister, laying foundation stone of the Cargo Terminal of the Asaba International Airport in Asaba. Pix: Bripin Enarusai

In a bid to ensure the movement of goods and agricultural produce to different parts of the world, the foundation stone for 6, 000 metric tonnes International Cargo Airport at the Asaba International Airport has been laid by the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Uduaghan who said that it was in line with his administration’s ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ initiative also noted that it was a clear testimony of President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts towards growing the economy of the rural communities.

While performing the foundation stone laying ceremony on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Airport in Asaba, Governor Uduaghan declared that President Jonathan has shown commitment towards diversifying the nation’s economy from an economy dependent on oil to an economy that is driven by so many factors.

He disclosed that the cargo airport when functional will move goods, especially, agricultural produce to different parts of the world, noting that it is in line with his administration’s ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ initiative.

He specifically commended Mrs. Oduah for her support towards the development of the Asaba International Airport and assured her that the state government will give all the necessary logistics support for the completion of the cargo airport.

“Thank you for selecting Asaba International Airport as one of the cargo international airports in the country, it fits into our Delta Beyond Oil initiative. We are glad that our initiative fits into President Jonathan’s programme of empowering the rural farmers”, the Governor said.

Earlier, the Minister for Aviation had said the cargo airport will be completed within six months, disclosing that the cargo airport will ensure the easy movement of agricultural produce to international markets.

Mrs Oduah added that the airport was in line with President Jonathan’s transformation agenda that will grow rural economy, stating: “The crops from the rural areas will find their ways into international super markets.”

“There will be value chain along the line from packaging, logistics to job creation, for every one hectare, ten jobs will be created and the spiral effects will be unimaginable”, she revealed.