Sultan commends United Nigeria’s Inaugural Sokoto flight as Gov urges airline to start Sokoto-Kano 

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said the Palace would support United Nigeria Airline to further open the Caliphate to opportunities.

This is just as the state governor, Aliyu Sokoto requested UNA to connect Sokoto and Kano, emphasising the strategic business import of both states.

United Nigeria this week has launched three routes ahead of the Yuletide, flying into Benin, Sokoto and Kano all from Abuja.

The Sultan who described UNA’s inaugural flight as historic said it is the first time that he would fly with the state governor on the inaugural flight of any airline.

Speaking during the courtesy visit, the Sultan hailed the airline’s decision to commence Sokoto operations. 

He regretted the doldrums that the aviation industry in Nigeria was going through and hailed UNA’s resolve to soldiers on despite. 

“Obiora told me about this plan eight months ago. I am happy that it has become a reality today. We need to open Sokoto to more airlines and connect more routes from here.

“The business environment is very tight in Nigeria and you have to be strong to remain in business and I know Okonkwo is very strong, having been in politics. This is the first time I am flying with any inaugural flight in this country and you did this. If there are challenges you are facing in the sector, please feel free to tell me. 

The Prof. Okonkwo-led team further proceeded to the government house where they were received by the governor. 

Governor Sokoto wasted no time to reveal the importance of the Sokoto- Kano connection. The governor further explained that the airline was the first to commence direct routes from Abuja to Sokoto since he was sworn-in. 

He promised to provide good business environment for the airline to thrive, maintaining that aviation was a catalyst for economic growth of any nation.

“Air transportation holds the key to economic growth in any country and you are the first airline that has shown interest in visiting the state since I assumed office. I want to request that you open the Sokoto-Kano route which will enhance the development of our state,” the governor said.

While responding, Okonkwo said that Sokoto is a strategic marketplace for the airline promising it would continue to serve it well.

“I have only heard one request and that is for us to consider flying from Sokoto to Kano. There is no doubt that the governor means well and he went further to say he will give us all the support we need. I want to assure you that we will be starting that route very soon,” he said.