The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the management of the Margaret Ekpo International airport, Calabar, to resume international flights.
According to a press release by Otu’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor disclosed this when he received the manager of the airport, Mr. Ayinla Gbolahan, in his office in Calabar.
“There was a time the Calabar Airport used to fly international routes, at least to nearby countries like Malabo and the rest, but the reverse is now the case. That situation must change.
“We are ready and willing to work with you in anyway possible to ensure that we change the face of that airport by partnering with the relevant federal government agencies. I know very well that the Margaret Ekpo Airport in no distant time will not be able to accommodate the influx of people who will come into the state either for business or leisure.
“For any meaningful progress to take place in a state, it is important to get an effective and efficient air travel system in place and by the grace of God, we will achieve that. I have heard your requests, I promise to look into some of them that are within our capacity and purview,” the governor said.
Earlier, the manager of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Mr. Ayinla Gbolahan, congratulated the governor on his victory at the just concluded polls and pleaded for his support to reposition the airport.
The visit, he said, is to seek the state government’s support to reposition the airport, noting security, power supply as priorities amongst others.
The delegation included other top management staff of the airport.
