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Seeking to bridge the gap between policy and the people, the Abia State Government has started community outreach efforts in the Nsulu clan of Isialangwa North Local Government Area.
The discussions focus on the proposed airport project, a development poised to bring significant economic opportunities to the area. The government’s approach emphasizes collaboration and community participation as key to the success of the initiative.
On Monday, Calab Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, made the announcement during a gathering of traditional leaders and community representatives at the palace of Eze Christopher Ebere in Umuomaita, Isialangwa North Local Government Area. The meeting marked an important step in bridging communication between the government and the communities set to host the ambitious airport project.
Ajagba disclosed that the government had previously met with the village heads of the affected communities, gaining their approval for the project. He emphasized that these initial engagements were crucial in ensuring that the airport project reflects the shared aspirations of the people.
Ajagba shared correspondence from various community stakeholders, demonstrating their acceptance of the project and detailing their conditions for support. He also presented a communique from the Nsulu clan, affirming their collective approval of the airport initiative. Those gathered at the engagement corroborated the authenticity of the letters, agreeing that they and their representatives had endorsed the plans.
He said, “There is no opposition to the project among the leaders, but this meeting was to prepare the minds towards receiving the government’s delegation that would be visiting and interfacing with the community by community starting from Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
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“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 compensation to them before work commences.
“The community engagements the government wants to have with the people is necessary to explain the intentions of the government to the people and to assure them that the government is going to carry them along.”
While highlighting the economic importance of having an airport in the Nsulu clan, including employment opportunities for their children, road constructions around the area, constant electric light, and other amenities, he 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.
Ajagba, who assured the host communities of the genuine intentions of the governor to develop their area, stressed the need for them to jettison the protest done by some women, which he said was not only unnecessary but politically motivated.
In their various responses, some traditional rulers in the Nsulu clan including Eze Christopher Ebere and Eze Patrick Anaba confirmed that the government had earlier explained its intentions to the people and there is no need to block the government from developing the Nsulu clan.
They said they and their children living overseas are in support of the project as they know the importance of having an airport on their land and discounting the allegations of taking bribes from the government or selling the land to the government. They urged the representatives at the meeting to communicate with the people accordingly.
Also responding, some other representatives of the host communities including Charles Ohia and a woman leader, Mrs. Priscila Okugo commended the 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.
