President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the sum of 10 billion Naira for an intervention fund for the upgrade of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
President Buhari gave the approval following a meeting with South-East governors and leaders from the zone at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“I have approved the sum of 10 billion Naira for an Intervention fund for the upgrade of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. I have the assurance of the Minister of Aviation that the work will be done speedily and to the highest standards.
“Even as we have many items competing for our limited resources, we will continue to prioritize infrastructure investments in every part of the country. It is our responsibility to ensure Nigeria’s infrastructure is fixed. we will keep doing this,” Buhari stated after the meeting.
The South-East governors and leaders from the zone on Thursday demanded for a special fund for the rehabilitation of the Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu State.
They made the demand during the meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi, also sought for declaration of state of emergency on roads and erosion in the South East.
He said: ”We are here to kindly urge Mr. President to approve special fund for the Akanu Ibiam Airport just like what was done for Abuja Airport.”
According to him, the closure of the Enugu airport has grounded activities in the region and causing great hardship on the people.
The deplorable South East roads, he said, have made the lives of the people miserable.
The meeting went into closed doors as journalists were asked to leave the Council Chamber before the President started his speech.
In attendance are Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Emeka Ihedioha of Imo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senate Minority Leader representing South East Caucus in National Assembly, Senator Sam Egwu.
Others are former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governors Martin Elechi, Ebonyi State, Okwesilieze, Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, Enugu State, Achike Udenwa, Imo, and Ikedi Ohakim, Imo.
Also at the meeting were Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Eric Acho Nwankwo, former Daily Times Managing Director, Chief Onyeama Ugochukwu, Ochiagha Regan Ufomba, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu and President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo among others.
Among those at the meeting included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, and Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.
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