Kwara partners Arik Air on devt of Lagos-Ilorin-Abuja routes

By Kenneth Ehigiator

ILORIN — THE Kwara State government has gone into partnership with Arik Air on development of Lagos-Ilorin-Abuja routes.

The partnership culminated in the inaugural flight operated by the airline into Ilorin International Airport, yesterday.

Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Joel Ogundeji, said the state government got into the partnership deal in efforts to use aviation to jump-start the state’s economic development.

He said the governor realised the role aviation could play in strengthening socio-economic development of citizens of the state, adding that informed the need for the government to ensure direct air link between Ilorin and Lagos on one hand, and Ilorin and Abuja on the other.

“Our partnership with Arik Air is aimed at strengthening economic activities in Kwara State in order to enhance the industrial development of the state.  Arik is, by this partnership, expected to provide an alternative to our people who travel by air,” Ogundeji said.

He said the choice of Arik Air was apt because of its international operations, adding that people of the state travelling to London, Johannesburg and New York would enjoy a seamless international travel from Ilorin International Airport using the airline.

The deputy governor, who noted that Govrnor Bukola Saraki met a dilapidated airport on assumption of office in 2003, said the state government has invested so much to accord the airport an international status.

Vice Chairman of Arik Air, Senator Anietie Okon, said the airline was delighted to partner with Kwara State government, noting that the airline’s interest in the state was informed by the strides the government had made with agriculture.

According to him, “the partnership will yield so much dividends for both the airline and the state government.”