Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has assured continued support for private sector investments welcoming United Nigeria Airline’s operations into Benin.
The airline commenced flight operations into the ancient City of Benin, today December 12, 2023.
Commending UNA’s Chairman and Emphasizing Growth Over Seven Years:
Commending the chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, he highlighted increased connectivity over seven years.
Governor Obaseki further emphasized the positive impact on ease of movement and state GDP while promising enhanced security during the festive season.
“When I came into office in 2016, there was only one commercial airline flying into Benin. Today, we have over six airlines coming into Benin and I heard that there is another one that we expect to start operation soon.
“So, in seven years, we have been able to attract new airlines into the marketplace and that has been made possible because of the openness and collaboration with the aviation authorities,†he said.
UNA Chairman Okonkwo appreciated the governor’s support, emphasising the successful flight launch and potential economic benefits.
Okonkwo urged other state governments to prioritize aviation for economic development.
Advocacy for Aviation: Urging Prioritization by Other State Governments:
“We are glad to be here and we have to thank the governor who took the initiative to invite us here. Discussion started in Lagos in 2022 and our team has visited Edo State and today, we have fulfilled the first promise, which was to start flying here. We were encouraged by his own commitment and persistence. Many people have been talking about attracting investments only by rhetoric, but he matched his words with action. Not many people understand the importance of air travel to the economic development of any state. It is a catalyst.
“You can imagine a time you had only one airline coming in, and the number of passengers coming in then. All these things are what add to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a state. So, we think that until the time other governors understand the importance of aviation, there is no other magic to grow the economy of a state,†Okonkwo said.
Okonkwo also appealed to the Federal Government to make Benin airport a 24-hour aerodrome to boost economic activities.
UNA’s Expansion Plans:Â
United Nigeria Airline is set to launch three routes ahead of the Yuletide. The airline has started with Benin and will commence Sokoto and Kano all from Abuja in the next few days. He hinted a potential flight into Italy soon.
