YENAGOA, NIGERIA – For the first time since its creation, commercial flight operations kicked off last Thursday at the Bayelsa State International Airport with the United Nigeria Airline aircraft touching down at about 3:45pm.
Onboard the flight was the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri; the airline’s Chairman, Chief Obiora Okonkwo; Tokyo Olympics Silver medalist in wrestling, Bayelsa-born Blessing Oborududu; King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Boladei Igali, members of the Bayelsa State National Assembly caucus, the state House of Assembly members, and commissioners among other dignitaries.
Jubilant indigenes crowded the airport in the morning in order to witness the historic occasion and upon arrival, His Excellency, the executive governor of Bayelsa – Senator Douye Diri said full commercial flight would commence in two weeks based on bookings made.
I have just arrived safely at the Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa with the inaugural commercial flight operated by United Nigeria Airlines,” Diri said.
“Our people have longed waited for this historic day as the flight routes will open up the state to more economic activities,” he added.
What has become a reality during his tenure was late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former governor of the state’s aspiration. Diri also gave kudos to Senator Seriake Dickson, his predecessor who had the courage to build the airport.
The continuity process displayed by the past and present leadership of this great state has shown that indeed, teamwork truly makes the dream work.
Speaking on behalf of the State Assembly caucus, Senator Moses Cleopas, representing Central senatorial district, congratulated the governor and the people of Bayelsa for achieving the feat, lauding him for his visionary leadership.
They urged Bayelsans, particularly the youths, to take advantage of the opportunities that the airport facility brings to empower themselves.
