ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN) has called for the increase of flight operations into Asaba airport and turning the airport into an international one.

The royal father made the requests when he visited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN recently in Abuja.

In his address, the royal father  commended the Minister for his transformative initiatives in the aviation sector, particularly for his role in the advancement of aviation infrastructure in Nigeria.

He also articulated three key requests aimed at enhancing the aviation landscape in Asaba and Delta State at large.

He requested an increase in flight operations at Asaba Airport, which he thought should be more frequent owing to the status and importance of the city.

He urged the Minister to leverage his position to facilitate the growth of flight operations in Asaba, transforming it into an international airport capable of accommodating regular international flights, and serving as a transit hub for large aircraft staying overnight.

He also highlighted the growing pool of talented, veteran pilots among Delta’s youth, many of whom have developed pilot training programs.

He requested the Minister’s intervention in supporting these youths through government channels, including the possibility of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to help realise their dreams of advancing their training and becoming professional pilots.

In response, the Minister expressed his sincere apologies for not having been the first to visit the royal father, acknowledging that such a meeting had long been on his agenda.

Keyamo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the Asagba’s requests are prioritised and met, emphasising that as a proud Delta son and cabinet member, he would personally oversee the progress of all matters raised during the meeting with the President.

On the specific issue of Asaba Airport, the Minister acknowledged the strategic location and potential of the airport, agreeing that it should become the Eastern hub of aviation in Nigeria.

He assured the royal father that discussions with airport concessionaires would be pursued to make the international status of Asaba Airport a reality.

Additionally, the Minister proposed the idea of establishing partnerships with domestic and international airlines to facilitate interlining, thus enabling passengers to easily connect from Asaba through transit to international destinations.

The Minister also expressed his eagerness to engage with Delta’s talented youths involved in pilot training. He pledged to meet with them and explore ways to incorporate their expertise into Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, even if it involves forming partnerships or leveraging PPP models.

Other notable members of the royal entourage included Obi Chief Nwanze Oduah, Odogwu of Asaba, Obi C. Ajufoh, Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa, Chief Peter Ejiofor, Chief Victor Nwose, Chief Fred Okonta, Chief Dr. Ken Mordi, Chief Phillip Ejike Nwokolo, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, Ogbueshi Sylver Oforgu, Chief Press Secretary, Chief Barr. Chuk Nduka-Eze, and Mr. Ebodi Eluaka, Chief Protocol Officer.