By Jerryz EDOHO
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for special duties and aviation development, Mr. Akan Okon has reiterated his commitment to ensure the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel live up to expectations by implementing all projects lined up for completion.
Akan Okon who appeared before members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on finance and appropriations for the defense of his ministry’s proposed budget estimate for year 2019 presented a total budget size of N40billion.
Akan Okon disclosed that Ibom airline will commence local flight operations with three new aircrafts. He explained that out of the approved N35.2Billion for the year 2018, a total of N8.2billion was released.
He hinted that the ministry of Special Duties and Aviation Development was able to generate a total revenue of 134million as against projected 156million for 2018.
SUMMARY OF 2018 RELEASES:
In a brief summary for the releases in 2018, the commissioner said that work at the ongoing 31 story building at Udo Udoma is presently at the thirteenth floor.
Amongst projects listed for inspection are; construction work in Ibeno, Okobo and Uyo, intervention work at the government house erosion site, perimeter fencing at Victor Attah’s airport, the new taxi way at the airport which he said is at 70% status of completion, four Point By Sheraton Hotel, commercial building and power sub-station at the Victor Attah’s airport which he informed the house that his ministry is currently working out modalities to secure permanent dedicated line ( power supply ) from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), to enable uninterrupted power source for the running of the airport while generator would serve as standby. He cited limited resources as major factor delaying the projects.
“I am happy to inform this honourable house and gentlemen of the press that, we have secured three aircrafts and two of them will be coming in this week, while the third one will be coming in by second week of February 2019. Victor Attah’s international airport has the best lighting system in Nigeria; our lighting system is 100% serviceable as compared to 70% that is obtainable in other airports” Akan Okon said.
PROJECTS EARMARK FOR IMPLEMENTATION FOR 2019:
Construction of the airport’s cargo main terminal, completed construction work at Ibom industrial building, construction/ completion of the airport taxi way, increase in flight fleet for Ibom Airlines among others.
Chairman of the finance and appropriations committee, Dr. Akpanusoh assured the ministry of full cooperation from members of the sixth assembly to see to the reality of all projects within the confines of the law.
The Committee chairman charged commissioner Akan Okon to ensure strict adherence to international safety practices in the running of Ibom Airline. He added that the purchased aircrafts condition and year of manufactures must be in compliance with international flight regulatory rules.
In the entourage of Mr. Akan Okon for the 2019 proposed budget defense were; Engr. Ekpe, Engr. Udosen, Engr. Itiat, directorate of engineering services, Imoh Udom, Micheal Okon, Mrs. Atim Tom, head of account, Mrs. Winifred Inyang, head of Aviation development, Acting MD/CEO of Victor Attah’s airport, Engr. Uwem Ekanem among others.
