Prof. Francis Nwonwu, a South Africa-based Professor of Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, on Thursday urged the Anambra Government to revive the Oba Airport project to boost the state’s economy.

Nwonwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Pretoria, South Africa, that the government should use the Private Public Partnership concept to build the airport started by the administration of Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 2000.

He said the site of the airport at Oba, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, was close to Onitsha and would be beneficial to the state.

“The airport should be multi-purpose in operation for cargo and passengers to meet the needs of the people.

“The business in Onitsha turns out millions of tons of goods and multibillion dollar businesses and investments.

“The proximity of the airport to Onitsha and its utility of having the airport cannot be over emphasised.”

Nwonwu, who had lectured in two Kenyan universities and the University of Free State in South Africa, said all the parties would benefit from Private Public Partnership.

According to him, the airport will create employment and wealth as well as boost international trade and development.

Nwonwu described as baseless insinuations that the project would affect the business of mass transit bus owners.

He said the airport was a separate project that would attract more investment to the state through international trade.

“Anambra state is blessed with a business community with international links.

“We should be looking at the long term benefits the airport will bring to the state and not the quick fix solutions to problems.

“Such quick fix solutions can be mere palliatives compared to long term sustainable projects like the airport.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Obiano.

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