CRSG To Resuscitate Bebi Airstrip - Aviation Boss

By Daniel Bebia

Cross River State Commissioner for Aviation, Capt Eno Utum Inah (Rtd) has disclosed the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration's plans to resuscitate the Bebi Airstrip so as to open up the economic prospects that abound as a result of the establishment of the Obudu German Hospital and the Canadian University.

Capt Inah made the disclosure, recently, while on a familiarization tour of the facility in Bebi, Obanlikwu Local Government Area.

He said with the establishment of the world-class Obudu German Hospital it is expedient to revamp the Bebi Airstrip to encourage inflow of people from across the globe for tourism.

"I am impressed with the speed of development in Cross River State, particularly Obudu. With the establishment of the Canadian University and the German Hospital to complement the already existing Obudu Cattle Ranch, there's need for rehabilitation of the Bebi Airstrip to encourage tourism."

He said His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu is on the speed lane to bringing the state to it original status of being the tourism hub of Nigeria, adding that fixing the facility will support air traffic.

He noted that the state government is seeking collaboration with investment into the Aviation sector which would yield tangible fruits in no distant future.

"As a state we are conscious of what we are doing, we have sought the collaboration of investors both locally and International. We believe in action, noting that soonest the fruits of what I am saying will be seen.

Capt Inah called on the management of the Airstrip to furnish his office with the necessary information that would aid the recalibration of the infrastructure for onward deliberation with His Excellency the Governor.

Reporting on the development, Acting Manager, Bebi Airstrip, Mr. Oko Kelvin said the Airstrip facility is functional and operational.He noted that three aircraft have so far landed there since the beginning of the year.

He highlighted some of the challenges facing the facility as; encroachment, willful destruction of some of the government property as a result of dilapidated fence and some equipment that are becoming obsolete amongst others.