•Criticises Peter Obi over attack on airline
Reno Omokri, a renowned Nigerian public figure, has expressed admiration for Akwa Ibom State, citing its visionary leadership and successful ventures, particularly the Ibom Air.
In a statement on Wednesday, Omokri praised Ibom Air’s remarkable achievements, including generating ₦96 billion in revenue in 2024, which is almost equal to the ₦101 billion contributed by the five Southeastern states to the Nigerian treasury via VAT.
He believes this significant contribution to the nation’s economy is a testament to Ibom Air’s success and impact.
He said, “Ibom Air’s success story is further underscored by its high punctuality record of 76% for departures and arrivals, surpassing private airlines.
“The airline’s commitment to safety and quality is demonstrated by its certification by the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). These achievements highlight Ibom Air’s dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.”
Omokri commended the Akwa Ibom State leadership for investing oil money in ventures that can outlast oil.
He highlighted the state’s excellent infrastructure, including best schools, roads, stadia, state-run social services, and the upcoming Ibom Deep Sea Port adding that, “These investments demonstrate the state’s commitment to sustainable development and innovative projects.”
Omokri urged Nigerians to halt negativity towards Ibom Air and instead support the airline’s growth, emphasizing that Nigeria needs Ibom Air more than it needs Nigeria.
He encouraged Akwa Ibom residents to take pride in their state’s achievements and speak up for Ibom Air, describing it as a matter of state pride rather than tribalism.
By doing so, Omokri believes that Ibom Air can continue to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, Reno Omokri also criticised Peter Obi for allegedly de-marketing Ibom Air.
Omokri questioned why Peter Obi, who is spearheading the criticism, did not establish a successful airline in Anambra State during his tenure.
Omokri also highlighted the failure of a brewery built in Anambra under Peter Obi’s leadership, which suffered heavy losses, saying that an unprofitable airline was even more profitable to Nigeria than a profitable brewery.
He called on Nigerians to support Ibom Air and halt negativity towards the airline, praising Akwa Ibom State’s visionary leadership and investments in sustainable projects.
The statement further reads in parts, “If it were that easy to establish and run an airline with its own hub airport (which no other airline in Nigeria has), why hasn’t your state done it? Why did Peter Obi not do it?
“Peter Obi is one of those spearheading the de-marketing of Ibom Air, but the brewery he built in Anambra suffered heavy losses. In any case, an unprofitable airline is much better for Nigeria than a profitable brewery.
“Therefore, I call on Nigerians to begin with the end in mind and halt any form of negativity directed at Ibom Air. Let us help this airline grow because you and I know that Nigeria needs Ibom Air more than it needs Nigeria.
“And if you are from Akwa-Ibom, speak up for Ibom Air. That is not tribalism. That is pride in your state. Your leaders are a rarity in Nigeria. They have invested your oil money in ventures that can outlast oil.
“You have the best schools, roads, stadia, and state-run social services in Nigeria. Soon, you will also have your own state port, the Ibom Deep Sea Port. Do not join people whose myopic leader only built breweries for them to drink and get drunk, to destroy the heritage left for you by your visionary leaders.
“I am not from Akwa-Ibom, but I am proud, and even slightly envious of that state.”
