By lKENNA ANIAGBOSO

When the flights touched down at the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, and taxied to the apron, the joyous crowd ran towards the airplanes excitedly, waving and dancing. Their smiles reminiscent of a people witnessing a promise fulfilled and a pride restored.

Just a few days ago, at the launch of a book chronicling the achievements of the Governor of Anambra State in the past seven years, the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, mentioned that his greatest desire was to bequeath lasting legacies to Ndi Anambra that will ensure their safety and prosperity. Speaking on the import of the world class airport in Umueri, the Governor said that he “wants every Onye Anambra in any part of the world to walk tall and be proud of his home”.

The promise stands fulfilled today, April 30, 2021 as Ndi Anambra, Ndi lgbo and the world witnessed the demonstration and inaugural test-landing of airplanes in the airport. Two airplanes from the fleet of Air Peace owner, Dr Allen Onyema, and a private jet belonging to Chairman of Afrinvest, Ike Chioke, landed comfortably at the airport.

With about the longest runway in Nigeria at 3.7km and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as CAT-3 lighting, a satellite landing system, an eleven story control tower and a world class terminal, the Anambra State International Cargo/Passenger airport is already described by aviation experts as the best in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pundits are having their best times calculating and analysing the benefits of the airport to the socio-economic development of Anambra State in particular and the southeast region in general. The wave of excitement transcends beyond Umueri to the farthest parts of the world where Umu Anambra and Umu Igbo sojourn and toil for daily living. Many are looking forward to the commissioning of the airport as they await to land in their homeland for the first time in history. Some have already coined this phrase: “Goodnight China – Good morning Anambra” to capture their hopes and dreams. This is surely a victory for Ndi Anambra.

History will indeed be kind to Gov Obiano and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano, and of course his entire team for bringing hope to a people and for restoring their pride. With less than a year to the end of his tenure, there’s no doubt that he will complete other legacy projects initiated by his administration and end strong.

•Ikenna Aniagboso writes from Awka, Anambra State

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