By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday commissioned two newly acquired Cally Air aircraft, commending Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as forward-looking investments in aviation and other critical sectors.
The commissioning, which took place at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, was part of Shettima’s working visit to the state, during which he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the expansion of the state-owned airline was a strategic move to boost economic growth, promote tourism, and position Cross River as a leader in regional aviation.
“Cross River is demonstrating what strong subnational leadership looks like. The country needs more of this kind of vision,” Shettima stated, noting that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen food security, energy security, and economic self-reliance.
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In his remarks, Governor Otu outlined his administration’s economic approach, which builds on the legacies of past leaders: tourism development under Donald Duke, rural development under Senator Liyel Imoke, and industrialisation under Professor Ben Ayade.
“My goal has been to fuse these into a robust, diversified economy that frees us from overdependence on FAAC allocations,” he said.
The governor explained that the expansion of Cally Air’s fleet from two to four aircraft, with three more planned, forms a central part of the state’s tourism strategy and its aspiration to become an aviation hub serving Nigeria and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
The event also featured stops by the Vice President at the state’s SME clinic and library, underscoring the administration’s focus on enterprise development and knowledge infrastructure.
With the commissioning of the additional aircraft, Cross River is aiming to consolidate its status as both a tourism powerhouse and a gateway to regional air travel.
