Asaba airport to reclaim status as one of the busiest, viable hub in Nigeria – Okowa’s aide

Says Ulo Consultants is an irresponsible corporate entity

By Atevure Princess,

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Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe has commended the management of the new contractors handling the upgrade construction of Asaba International Airport runway, Setraco Nigeria, for the quality of work done within a short period of time.

The EA Communications in a statement disclosed that the ongoing speed of work at the airport is a proof of the corporate integrity so far exhibited by Setraco Nigeria; as against the “maradona approach” shamefully displayed by the blacklisted former contractors, Ulo Consultants Ltd.

Oghenesivbe who was West African Bureau Chief of World Airnews Magazine and CEO of PPK Aviation International, for about 20 years before venturing into partisan politics, posited that Chief Chris Okpuno and Ulo Consultants disappointed the government and people of Delta State, beyond tolerable proportion even though the state government fulfilled its part of the contractual obligations.

“When we say that Ulo Consultants is an irresponsible corporate entity, it is meant that it lacked reputation and ability to deliver on several promises made after deliberately undermining the time frame stipulated and as contained in the legal documents perfected by both parties.

“Setraco, the new contractors as a responsible corporate citizen has shown reasonable signs that it will deliver as agreed in the month of July 2018; a stride that Ulo Consultants could not achieve in nearly three years; which overwhelmingly gave the impression of advance fee fraud on the part of Ulo, popularly known as 419 among fraudsters and their mugu victims.

“Of a truth, the government and people of Delta State were duped by Ulo Consultants and its directors for which Chief Okpuno played key roles as Chief contract negotiator and principal signatory to the unfortunate deal.

“We must as a people and government appreciate the management of Setraco Nigeria for taking proactive steps to deliver on promise, a conduct impossible for Chief Okpuno and his unscrupulous contracting firm,” Oghenesivbe added.

The EA Communications who was recently inducted into the International Communication Association’s (ICA) hall of fame; further assured that once upgraded in July or so soon thereafter, Asaba Airport will bounce back to reclaim her enviable status as one of the  busiest and economically viable hub in Nigeria.

He further disclosed that wide bodied aircraft operated by Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors and other domestic airlines shall commence scheduled commercial flights into and out of Asaba airport after re-certification by the Federal regulatory agencies.

At the moment, its only light aircrafts; Dash 8-300, 400 series and Russian light plane fly into and out of the airport operated by Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Overland Airways, respectively.