THE NATION

Bayelsa State Government has opened partnership discussions with its Akwa Ibom State counterpart, on the use of Ibom Air to start commercial flight operations at the Bayelsa International Airport.

Speaking as the leader of a high-powered delegation from Bayelsa at a meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that the choice of Ibom Air was informed by proximity and good bilateral relations between the two states.

Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said Akwa Ibom had proved itself as a dependable neighbour to Bayelsa in many ways over the years, which must be reciprocated “in the spirit of give and take”.

He hoped that the partnership deal would soon be sealed for the airline to begin flights to and from Bayelsa, Lagos and Abuja, describing the two routes as the highest in traffic for the people of the state.

The deputy governor assured Bayelsans and the public of the current administration’s commitment to ensure smooth operations at the state airport, which is adjudged to be one of the best in the country by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

According to him, the state government is applying the business principle of “starting small to grow big” by going for a 50-seater aircraft in its current deal with Ibom Air to promote socio-economic activities in the state.