Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the corporate contributions of Ibom Airline to sports development as a commendable example of private sector support for growth in the state’s sporting sector.
The governor made the remarks in a goodwill message delivered during the final of a football tournament organised to commemorate the airline’s 7th anniversary at the Uyo Township Stadium on Saturday, May 23.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, Governor Eno applauded the airline for extending its impact beyond aviation into sports development, particularly in football, tennis and golf.
“It pleases me also to know that you are not only riding the skies in aviation, but also distinguishing yourself as an exemplary corporate citizen. Your intervention in golf, tennis and most recently, football is worth commending,” the governor stated.
He further noted that the airline’s sponsorship played a significant role in the performance of Akwa United and the state’s tennis team.
“It is through your sponsorship that Akwa United nearly returned to the Premier League…Also, I am acutely aware that through your dedicated support over time, Akwa Ibom tennis team were able to pick three of the five gold medals contested for at the just concluded Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State,” he added.
Ibom Air Celebrates Seven Years of Excellence
Governor Eno also praised the airline’s operational standards, describing Ibom Air as a symbol of the Akwa Ibom spirit of excellence, innovation, safety and quality service delivery within Nigeria’s aviation industry over the past seven years.
According to him, the airline’s achievements have strengthened connectivity, boosted commerce and tourism, and contributed to the economic advancement of the state in its interaction with the outside world.
Congratulating the management and staff of the airline on its anniversary celebration, the governor said the successes recorded within a relatively short period reflected hard work, resilience and visionary leadership.
“The achievements recorded within this relatively short period has stood out as an eloquent testament of hard work and foresight of your airline’s dedicated leadership and a focused workforce. This anniversary therefore marks not only the celebration of years but the celebration of vision, resilience, professionalism,and unwavering dedication to achieving and sustaining customer satisfaction… On behalf of the people and Government of Akwa Ibom State, I convey to you our best wishes…”
The football competition, which lasted for over two weeks as part of activities marking the anniversary, ended with the Lagos team of the airline defeating its Uyo counterpart 3-2 on penalties after regulation time ended goalless.
Ibom Airlines Limited is a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, with a fleet of aircraft operating across destinations within the West African sub-region.
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