Abia State Government Commences Community Engagement On Proposed Siting Of Abia Airport In Nsulu
Abia State Government (ABSG) has commenced community engagements
to communicate goverment’s intentions to the people of Nsulu clan in Isialangwa North LGA on the proposed siting of Abia airport in their community.
Addressing traditional rulers and other representatives of the various host communities at the palace of Eze Christopher Ebere in Umuomaita , Isialangwa North, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Calab Ajagba recalled that the governernment had earlier engaged the village heads of the various communities and secured their consent for the project .
He showed them letters the various stakeholders of the communities had written to government accepting the project and making some demands as well as a communique writen by stakeholders of the clan consenting to the project, of which those present at the community engagement agreed that they and their representatives had endorsed.
He clarified that there is no opposition to the project among the leaders but explained that the meeting was to prepare their minds towards receiving goverment ‘s delegation that would be visiting and interfacing with them community by community starting from Tuesday, 10th December 2024.
The Chief of Staff said that the government at present, is cutting traces in the site and when completed, would identify the real owners of the areas chosen and would then pay compensations to them before work commences.
He described the community engagements as necessary to explain the intentions of government to the people and to assure them that goverment is going to carry them along,
While highlighting the economic importance of having an airport in Nsulu clan, including employment opportunities of their children, road constructions around the area, constant electric light and other amenities stressed the need for the people not to toy with the opportunity of developing the area for life which is being presented to them by Governor Alex Otti through the airport project.
Pastor Ajagba, who assured them of genuine intentions of Governor Alex Otti to the developing their area, tressed the need for them to jettison the protest done by some women which he said was not only necessary but politically motivated.
In their various responses, some traditional rulers in Nsulu clan including Eze Christopher Ebere and Eze Patrick Anaba confirmed that goverment had earlier explained its intentions to the people and there is no need blocking the government from developing Nsulu clan.
They said themselves and their children livin overseas are in support of the project as they know the importance of having airport in their land and discountenance the allegations of them taking bribe from government or selling the land to goverment. They urged the representatives at the meeting to communicate the people accordingly.
Also responding, some some other representatives of the host communities including Chief Charles Ohia and a woman leader, Mrs. Priscila Okugo commended government for its decision to site an airport in their clan.
They however pointed out that their challenge was the inability of those representing some communities at the discussions to communicate the people accordingly but assured of their support to the project.
