NASS Caucus, Lokpobiri, Ogbuku Hail Diri’s Vision
The Governor Douye Diri administration on Wednesday recorded another landmark feat in the state’s history with the inaugural flight of one of its two newly acquired aircraft landing at the state airport.
The ATR-72/600 aircraft, which took off from the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 09:30 hrs with about 50 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 of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; and the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others—touched down at the Bayelsa Airport at 10:40 hrs amid jubilation by a mammoth crowd.
The aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute on arrival from the fire trucks at the airport.
Governor Diri described the celebration as historic, saying it underscored his administration’s commitment to fulfilling 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 had directed that the aircraft, currently 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 the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), said the airline would not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also serve other Niger Delta states.
Also, the Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, said the company would embody the dreams and aspirations of the people of the state and the 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 would not let Bayelsa down.
The Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, described the achievement as remarkable and a testament to the vision and strategic partnership between the government and the bank, expressing joy that the bank played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.
Similarly, Senator Konbowei 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, also lauded Governor Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying on the aircraft.
The NDDC MD, Dr. Ogbuku, in his remarks, described the acquisition of the aircraft by the state government as a welcome development, noting that it would connect the people of the state to other parts of the country. He pledged the commission’s willingness to partner with the airline to contribute to its success.
The PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Igali, said the people of the region were proud of Diri’s achievements and pledged the continuous support of the forum to enable the government attain new heights.
Leave a Reply