Umueri Monarch Raises Alam Over Abandoned Achebe Int’l Airport Access Road Project

By Praise Chinecherem

Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area has expressed worry over deplorable condition of the road leading to the Chinua Achebe International Airport.

Traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Sir Ben Emeka, Okebo II, speaking for his subjects, raised the alarm during a press briefing ahead of the community’s New Yam Festival slated for September 6, 2025.

He said apart from long distance of the road to the airport, the bad condition of the road exposes them to various forms of insecurity.

He appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to assist the community by constructing direct access road to the airport.

He said, “I’ve repeatedly appealed to the Governor, both privately and publicly, to construct an access road to the airport. Umueri generously donated 1,900 hectares of land, a feat unmatched by any other community.

“It’s however disheartening that we have to take a long route through Oyi Local Government Area to access the airport when a 4-kilometer uncompleted road from Umueri could provide direct access.

“As the Igwe and on behalf of the Umueri community, I’m pained that we sacrificed our land for the airport yet struggle to reach it.

“The poor road condition has also made us vulnerable to insecurity, with criminals taking advantage of the situation. I implore the Governor to assist Ndi Umueri.”

The monarch also raised concerns over underutilization of the airport, citing limited number of flights operating weekly.

He requested government to construct warehouses to store goods in order to attract investors and increase traffic on the airport.

“Notably, the airport is underutilized. We request that the Governor investigates the issues hindering the airport’s performance and make necessary interventions to improve it.

“Warehouses are key feature of cargo airports. Government should allocate land to investors to build warehouses for storing goods, similar to those found in Port Harcourt, Lagos and other major cities,” he stressed.

Reacting on the upcoming governorship election in the state, the royal father praised Soludo’s impressive achievements in the State.

He highlighted Governor’s notable projects in Umueri, including renovation of the community’s 80-year-old General hospital built through communal efforts.

He said Soludo’s administration not only upgraded the hospital’s infrastructure but also staffed it with doctors and nurses, surpassing the initial repairs done by former Governor Willie Obiano.

“We also thank the Governor for appointing sons and daughters of Umueri to key positions, including Chief of Staff, Anambra East Local Government Chairperson, Commissioners and others,” he added.