*As Imo Airport hosts Ist International flight*
For the second time in one month, Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima described Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as a patriot and symbol of Nigeria’s unity.
The first time was at a ceremony at the Presidential Villa ,Abuja while the second was on Friday at the flag off of this year’s Hajj operations held at Sam Mbakwe International Airport.
At the event, the Vice president was joined by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar who both extolled Uzodimma for being one of the accommodating leaders who practically promotes national unity.
To appreciate the governor, the Vice President led in a standing ovation for Senator Uzodimma.
According to Shettima, it is only someone like Uzodimma who would avail other Nigerians the logistics and ambience to use Imo Airport for the departure of Muslim pilgrims.
About 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia and Bayelsa were airlifted from the Sam Mbakwe International Airport, thus marking the maiden International Flight from the airport.
Both Shettima and the Sultan noted that Imo has the distinction of running an inclusive society and mutual coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria.
According to them, Uzodimma has made it possible for other Nigerians to feel at home in Imo State, thus engendering national unity and love among the people.
In his speech, Uzodimma described the maiden flight for the Hajj operations as a quiet pride for Imo people as ” It highlights our identity as a state that embraces diversity “
According to the Governor, ” Imo has long stood as a place of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence ” and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for choosing Imo as the host to this year’s inaugural flight.
He urged the pilgrims to travel in the spirit of the mission by upholding ” the discipline, the reverence and the national honour that this journey requires”
Uzodimma recalled how his administration has worked tirelessly to improve the standard of facilities at the airport to qualify it for the present role it is playing for Nigeria.
Said he, ” on assumption of office ,my administration resolved to ensure the airport met international aviation standards. We upgraded the runaway, installed night landing equipment, strengthened security and rebuilt the access road now named Bola Tinubu drive. These steps were taken deliberately to reposition the airport for full International operations “
Uzodimma expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Aviation authorities for granting the necessary approvals that resulted in improved standards at the airport.
He was happy that the airport would now open a new economic window for Imo State, making it” a viable destination for business, logistics and tourism in view of improved infrastructure and rising investor confidence”
He commended the Vice president, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto and other dignitaries who graced the occasion. He was also full of praises for Imo people for their unwavering support to his administration.
