An aviation expert and politician, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has urged politicians to always work together for the development of their communities.
He said coming together irrespective of their political persuasions and interests will enhance the progress of their respective communities and the nation at large.
Obiora, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, spoke during the commissioning of a Health Ventre and Solar-powered Borehole donated by the airline to Aso-Ayegunle community where Ekiti State International Cargo Airport is located.
He alluded to the fact that the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji is seen across party lines as a political unifier and bridge-builder whose inclusive leadership style has successfully brought together all former governors of the state and stakeholders to achieve political harmony that prioritises the state’s peace, progress and development.
Speaking at the event, Okonkwo said, “At the first airport commissioning, I saw how much the project meant to the people of Ekiti. I was particularly impressed by the governor’s decision to bring former governors and traditional rulers together, including people who had previously disagreed with one another. As a political scientist, I believe his approach to political cooperation and continuity in governance deserves to be studied.
He said the wonderful experienced he and his team had in Ekiti inspired him to ensure that they not leave the state after their activities without making a lasting contribution to the community.
“We then consulted relevant stakeholders to determine what the community actually needed. We did not want to impose a project that might not address the people’s priorities.After discussions with authorities we were advised to focus our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative on the airport community.
“We were informed that the community needed access to clean water and a primary healthcare centre. We therefore decided to provide a solar-powered borehole and a community health centre”.
Okonkwo who expressed appreciation to Governor for making the partnership possible said the project demonstrates the benefits of cooperation between government and private investors.
“Ekiti State chose to partner with an existing airline, and I assure you that the state will continue to benefit from this relationship.
We are also committed to developing our cargo operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. Private investment requires more than government policies; it also requires support from the host community”.
Governor Oyebanji in his remarks thank the management of United Nigeria Airlines, particularly its chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, for their important contribution to the development of Aso-Ayegunle and Ekiti State.
He said this project demonstrates the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector.
“Government cannot do everything alone; we need responsible investors and organisations that are willing to contribute to the welfare of the people.
“In the last four years, our administration has rehabilitated, remodelled or constructed about 180 health centres across Ekiti State as part of our efforts to improve access to primary healthcare”.
However, said that the constructing a health facility is only one part of the process. We must ensure that the centre has the necessary medical equipment, personnel and consumables to provide effective healthcare services.
“A building alone does not treat, and it does not heal. I therefore charge the community to take ownership of this facility, protect it and use it well. Residents should make proper use of the centre to access healthcare services when necessary”.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Prince Peter Falade thanked the airline and the state government for the construction of the health facility
Falade said, ” It is a great development. We are very happy for what we have seen today and we believe more are still coming at this point”.
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