Smart Mega City: Soludo Set to Build Another Airport, Industrial Park Near Ekwulobia

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state is set to kickstart the construction of a new airport in Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state, Managing Director, Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Engr. Martins Emeka Nwafor has said.

Speaking during a tour of the proposed site for the project, Nwafor said the initiative is part of government’s manifesto of transforming the state to a smart mega city.

He noted that the visit was to identify a suitable, flyable location, where the state government can develop an airport and industrial park, associated with aerotropolis.

Engr Nwafor, who doubles as chairman of the new Airport and Aerotropolis Committee set up by the state government, emphasised that the project would be a game changer by breaking the economic opportunities in the state that are yet untapped.

“The project will also attract investments by combining the aviation infrastructure with surrounding commercial, residential and logistics facilities to create a dynamic airport -driven city.

According to him, having multiple airports in the state will give room for industrialisation and overall development of the state.

Former President-General, Ndikelionwu Welfare Association, Hon Fabian Nwosu and the Vice President of Ndikelionwu, Hon Ifesinachi Chukwurah Onwurah, in their separate speeches, thanked the government for siting such project that would create massive job opportunities in their community.

They assured, on behalf of their community, to give maximum support, security and cooperation needed to kick start and complete the project.

Present at the visit were MD/CEO, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, Prof Charles Ofoegbu, SSA to the Governor on Security, Retired Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi, architect and founder of Sliding Towers, Mr Chukwudi Ezenwa, community chiefs and elders of Ndikelionwu, among others.

Geologists and Geophysicists from Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited were also in attendance to provide the geomapping of the location.