The multi-billion naira Bayelsa International Airport, with a 3.5-kilometre runway, has been described as strategic to boosting the economy of the state and the entire Niger Delta region.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, made the remark on Thursday when he led other members of the Assembly on an inspection tour of the airport project.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Rt. Hon. Benson commended Governor Seriake Dickson for the prudent management of the N40 billion approved by the House for the project, which he noted, has facilitated the completion of the airport.

The Speaker, who was visibly elated, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the project, noting that, the airport, which is slated for commissioning next month, would open Bayelsa to the world for business and social activities.

His words: “The Governor sought for N40 billion approval from the House of Assembly, in order to build this facility here, and we graciously approved it. We are happy today that, what we approved has come to fruition.

“In the past, this same House of Assembly in 2005 or thereabouts approved N70 billion for different projects, but none of them came into fruition. But Governor Seriake Dickson has used N40 billion to achieve this great project.

“We are happy that, we can now travel to Europe, America, India and the rest of the world direct from here. We are ready to cooperate with him to do what is needful to move Bayelsa to the next level.”

In his contribution, Leader of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Peter Akpe, described the airport project as a dream come true, which every well-meaning Bayelsan and lover of the state will celebrate for a long time to come.

He also lauded the Governor and the supervising Ministry, under the able leadership of the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Barr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor for the vision and commitment towards the completion of the airport.

Also speaking, Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Mitema Obordor, described the airport as a mega-project that would impact positively on the lives of the people, investors as well as tourists and applauded the supervising Ministry for not compromising standards.

In their separate remarks, the Chief Whip, Hon. Tonye Isenah, and Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Monday Obolo-Bubou, gave kudos to the Dickson-led administration for justifying the approval.

The duo said they were highly impressed with the performance of the Governor, stressing that, it is only leaders, who have passion to do the right thing that could dare all obstacles to single-handedly build such a facility in a difficult terrain and challenging economic circumstances.

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