By Muslimat Itopa
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the Kogi International Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, saying the project will open the state to global investment, trade and economic opportunities.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony in Zariagi.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo said the project had put Zariagi and Kogi State on the global aviation map.
“As from today, this village called Zariagi will be on the global aviation map. Everywhere you have an airport in the world, you give it a global code. As from today, Zariagi has a code in the global aviation world through the International Air Transport Association, IATA,” he said.
He dismissed criticisms trailing the establishment of the airport, arguing that major infrastructure projects were necessary to attract investments rather than waiting for businesses to spring up before providing the facilities they need.
Keyamo said the airport would generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for Kogi residents, and urged the host community and other stakeholders to support the successful execution of the project.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his vision and commitment to infrastructure development.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the groundbreaking as a significant milestone in the economic transformation of the state, saying the airport would strengthen Kogi’s strategic position as a centre for commerce, transportation, logistics and investment.
He said the airport would open up new opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and other sectors of the economy.
According to him, the cargo facilities would particularly benefit farmers and agro-processors by improving access to national and international markets.
“Kogi State produces significant quantities of cashew, cassava and other agricultural commodities. With improved transportation and cargo-handling facilities, our farmers and agro-processors will have better access to national and international markets,” the governor said.
He called on investors and business leaders to take advantage of the opportunities the airport would create, assuring them that Kogi State was open for business.
Governor Ododo also thanked President Tinubu for his support and the Federal Government’s cooperation in advancing infrastructure development across the country.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the airport as an economic strategy designed to move Kogi beyond its traditional civil service-based economy towards greater industrial and commercial development.
Presenting the scope of the civil works, the Commissioner said the first phase would cover major airside and landside infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.
He said the runway would be approximately 3,600 metres long and designed in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747 aircraft.
In his address, the Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Levi, described the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s economic transformation, enhanced connectivity and sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of CCECC, Henry Shuo, expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Government for the confidence reposed in the company, assuring that it would deploy its experience and technical expertise to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, expressed support for the project and reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to initiatives capable of promoting development and improving the welfare of the people.
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