Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commended United Nigeria Airline for commencing air transport operations between Katsina and Abuja.
Speaking at takeoff ceremony at Katsina Airport today, Governor Radda emphasized the significance of this development for the state’s business environment.
“The coming of another airline proved to the world that Katsina has grown up and advanced more from weekly to daily flights,” he stated.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed , Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen.
According to Ibrahim, the Governor also noted the economic benefits of increased flight options. “With this development, Katsina air business has grown to the desired level as people can now have airlines to carry out their businesses at all times,” Governor Radda said.
“This opens up business and economy to the state and makes investors and other business partners come to the state with ease and have all opportunities provided,” the Governor added.
Governor Radda expressed his appreciation to the airline management for their prompt response in establishing operations in Katsina.
Former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, who played a pivotal role in bringing the airline to the state, acknowledged the current administration’s support.
“The airline operations in the state was made possible with the full support of the state government,” Masari said.
“This made gradual impact to encourage more airlines to join the flight operations,” Masari added.
Also speaking at the event, former State Governor, Barrister Ibrahim Shema, urged the airline to maintain high operational standards.
“Be committed in ensuring timely departure and arrival of passengers. This would make them have the confidence of the company,” Barr. Shema advised.
In his remarks, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, explained the company’s swift response to begin operations in Katsina. “The coming of the airline to Katsina was made possible following a special request for our intervention to fill the operations gap made by the immediate past governor Aminu Bello Masari,” he revealed.
“All the necessary arrangements were concluded within two weeks and all our officials are on ground with offices open for full operations in the state,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for the support towards the timely commencement of the operations.
In the same vein, the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, said, “Mobility is essential to the realization of economic development and particularly in the area of tourism which Katsina is one of the central for the realization of renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The air transport debut commenced with several distinguished personalities in attendance, including State Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe; Speaker Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon Nasir Yahya Daura, SSAP to the President,Hon Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir among others.