Nsulu Land Owners Rejoice As Abia Government Begins Clearing For Airport Project (Photos)

Nsulu community in Abia State was filled with jubilation on Friday, March 28, as the state government commenced the clearing of the access road leading to the proposed Abia Airport runway, ABN TV reports.

The move marks a significant step in fulfilling Governor Alex Otti’s vision for improved infrastructure and economic development in the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who addressed the landowners and residents at the site, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the airport project, assuring that it would be completed in partnership with the federal government. He dismissed speculations that the Nsulu people were opposed to the project, citing their enthusiasm as proof of their support.

“This administration is built on sincerity and transparency. Governor Alex Otti has consistently fulfilled his promises, and this project is no different,” Pastor Ajagba stated. “The excitement here today debunks any false claims that Nsulu people are against this airport. They fully support it and recognize its importance.”

He lauded the host communities for their cooperation and urged the contractors to integrate local workers into the project. Pastor Ajagba also revealed that compensation payments to landowners had already begun, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fairness and due process.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, and Project Coordinator for the Abia Airport, Pastor Okoro Aji, described the clearing of the access road as a crucial milestone. He explained that this step would facilitate soil testing and other essential preparations for the runway, which is approximately 853 kilometers from the main road. The clearing is expected to be completed within a week.

Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, Chairman of the Memorandum of Agreement Committee for the project, praised Governor Otti for addressing community concerns by reducing the airport’s land allocation from 1,800 hectares to 1,000 hectares.

“What you see today is the true joy of Nsulu people, who are proud to be the hosts of this major development project,” Azubuike said.

Similarly, landowner Barr. Andrew Obinna Ijenri expressed gratitude for the government’s transparent approach to land acquisition and compensation.

“This administration has proven to be different from previous ones. The process of land acquisition has been fair, and payments have been made as promised,” he noted.

Various community leaders, including Nsulu Youth President Prince Chisom Nwaogbe, Umuala Youth President Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, and Chairman of Community Relations for the Nsulu Airport Project Rev. Israel Ukoma, echoed the excitement and optimism of the people. They emphasized that the project would bring immense economic benefits to the region.

Seba El-Nemer, Manager of Craneburg Construction Company, thanked Governor Otti and the Nsulu community for their collaboration. He assured that the company would adhere to the project timeline and employ both skilled and unskilled workers from the host communities, as directed by the government.

The commencement of work on the Abia Airport Project represents a historic moment for the state, signaling a new era of infrastructural growth and economic advancement for Abia and its neighboring regions.