BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT ACQUIRES AIRCRAFT FOR COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Bayelsa State, Nigeria, has procured two aircraft to launch commercial flight operations at its international airport, Governor Douye Diri announced in a statement during the courtesy visit of Dr. Tin Louise-George, Prime Minister of the State of Africa In Diaspora, to Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday.

Chief Press Secretary Daniel Alabrah disclosed that Governor Diri expressed determination to enhance the Bayelsa International Airport’s commercial viability, stating the planes would soon arrive and operate routes connecting Yenagoa, Lagos, and Abuja. “We had an arrangement with a private airline, which we were supporting for flights to and fro Lagos and Abuja. But it got to a point where that arrangement almost collapsed and the airport became virtually non-functional. Now we have taken the bull by the horn, and as we speak we are expecting two aircraft, which government has already procured. These aircraft would operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja,” Governor Diri said in a statement.

Dr. Tin Louise-George, Prime Minister of the State of Africa In Diaspora, was welcomed by Governor Diri on his maiden visit to Nigeria and Bayelsa. Governor Diri described the State of Africa in Diaspora as akin to Doctors Without Borders, highlighting the administration’s readiness for partnership in airport expansion and development of a smart city. “I heartily welcome you and your team to Bayelsa. We are happy to note that you are here in Nigeria for the first time,” Governor Diri remarked.

The Prime Minister proposed development support and funding for selected Bayelsa projects through a cooperation agreement, explaining the Africa in Diaspora’s establishment by African Union Heads of State in 2003 as the sixth region of Africa. Dr. Louise-George noted there were 350 million people of African descent living outside Africa and he had the mandate to represent them. “Our objective is to reinforce Africa through the diaspora and the diaspora through Africa. And we are very happy to have this opportunity to come to Bayelsa State and Nigeria. What we want to do is propose support, development and funding,” he said.

Dr. Louise-George indicated interest in collaborating on aviation, a smart city, education, and medical facilities, referencing the airport’s potential. “This morning, I saw the airport and I know you want to extend it. We are ready to provide the resources to develop this airport, a smart city somewhere, education and a medical complex. We will be happy to contribute,” he stated.

Governor Diri highlighted plans for the New Yenagoa City, inviting exploration of collaborative opportunities. “Talking about smart city, we are equally developing a new city called the New Yenagoa City. It is a place my team will take you to see what we are doing. That is the kind of place a smart city will be very okay for our people,” he said.