Why we rejected proposed airport location in our community – Edo leaders

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

The leaders of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have explained reasons for rejecting the proposed airport project in Edo North Senatorial District.

Okpella leaders at a briefing on Sunday alleged marginalisation by Edo government.

The leaders of Okpella, through their spokesman, Chief Richard David, revealed that there was a plan by BUA and Dangote companies to construct an aerodrome in Okpella, in view of their investments in the axis.

They claimed the proposed airport outside Okpella would be a disservice to the peace-loving people.

Chief David further stated that in spite of the immense contributions of Okpella to the economic sustenance of Edo, the community remained the most unattended to, in the state government’s infrastructural consideration.

He said as quoted by the Nation: “It was a thing of joy to Okpella people, when the BUA group hinted that it had started the process of setting up an aerodrome in Okpella, for which appropriate modalities of location of suitable site, soil tests and payment of compensation to crop owners had been completed.

“We had expected and hoped that what was required of Edo government was to give the necessary support and encouragement for the laudable initiative to facilitate its timely completion.”