OFONIME UMANAH
Those who thronged the Bayelsa Airport, Amassoma, on Wednesday only had one thing in mind: to be part of history as the governor, Senator Douye Diri launched the first state owned aircraft for commercial flights, as part of efforts to take the tourism imprimatur of the state to higher heights.
But they got more than they expected. They did not only witness the arrival of the airplane, branded with the state logo, they also saw a dancing contest between the governor and the managing director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
Diri had invited Ogbuku, known for his phenomenal Ijaw traditional dance steps, to the dance floor after his speech. Diri himself does not fail whenever opportunities present themselves for him to display his dexterity and prowess on the dance floor.
Diri started out as if he was a rookie, but by the time Ogbuku joined him on the podium, the dancing spirit of the biblical David descended on him and the duo dug it out, shaking their wastes, waving their white handkerchiefs and turning their heads graciously, the same way the agama lizard does whenever it jumps and lands successfully on the ground.
But unlike the lizard whose effort never gets an applause, the crowd cheered the duo, firing them them to increase the tempo and introduce new dancing steps. Senator Kombowei Benson who represents Bayelsa Central in the senate, was to later join them on the dance floor.
Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakor, Diri’s deputy, was forced to come out to support his boss. They displayed those dance steps that an Ijaw man is known for, whenever they fight and win serious battles.
The governor, while addressing the crowd said the arrival of the first aircraft was a dream come true. He said the first civilian governor of the state, the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, had dreamt of an airport for the state and proposed Amassoma as the location, but lamented that Chief Timipre Sylva decided to relocate the aiport to another part of the state.
But he showed gratitude to Senator Seriake Dickson for bringing the airport back to Amassoma in honour of the memories of the former governor. He said after Dickson constructed the airport during his tenure, his administration embarked on certain finishing projects in the airport, including the installation of solar wireless airport ground lighting system as well as an information centre.
The ATR-72/600 aircraft, which took off from the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 09:30hrs with about 70 passengers and crew on board, including Governor Douye Diri, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Nigerian Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others, touched down at the Bayelsa airport at 10:40hrs amid jubilation by a mammoth crowd.
The aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute on arrival from the fire trucks at the airport. Diri described the celebration as historic, saying it underscored his administration’s commitment to fulfilment of its promise to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air.
The Bayelsa helmsman also stated that the inauguration of the aircraft was a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for every Bayelsan as it marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and expanding its economic horizons.
His words: “Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing: Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services.
“On behalf of your Government of Renewed Hope for Assured Prosperity, I am delighted to commission the first of two ATR‑72/600 aircraft, each configured to carry 72 passengers and crew.
“This achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for Bayelsa, bringing regular and reliable air services that fuel modern commerce and development, connecting businesses to new markets, and empowering our people to thrive.”
Governor Diri explained that he has directed that the aircraft registered under the name Pioneer Airline be immediately changed to Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing commercial operations as it is state-owned and not a private concern.
He added that the story of the aviation sector in Bayelsa State would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location, and the immediate past Governor Seriake Dickson, who actualised the airport project.
He also expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
In his welcome remarks, Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice‑Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), said the airline will not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states.
Also, Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, said the company will embody the dreams and aspirations of the people of the state and Niger Delta in its operations.
He thanked Governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting it with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that they will not let Bayelsa down.
Managing Director/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement that speaks to vision and strategic partnership between the government and the bank, expressing his joy that the bank played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.
Similarly, Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governor’s vision and pledged their support for the developmental efforts of the state government.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, equally lauded Governor Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft.
The NDDC MD, Ogbuku, in his remarks, described the acquisition of an aircraft by the state government as a welcome development, noting that it will connect the people of the state to other parts of the country, and pledged the willingness of the commission to partner the airline to contribute to its success.
