The First Community-Driven Airport Built by the Igbo People in Africa

The First Community-Driven Airport Built by the Igbo People in Africa

Africa witnessed a historic moment when the Igbo people constructed the first community-driven airport on the continent. Located in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, this airport was a remarkable achievement. Its construction took place in 1983, just 13 years after the devastating civil war in Igbo land, under the leadership of the first civilian governor of Imo State, Dee Sam Mbakwe. As a tribute to his contributions, the airport was named after him.

The journey towards building this airport began during Dee Sam Mbakwe’s tenure as the governor of the old Imo State. The project relied on generous donations from both the indigenes and the people from across Igbo land. It’s worth noting that this airport stands as not only the first state-owned airport but also the first community-driven airport project in Africa. The unwavering support from successive Federal Military Governments, particularly under Navy Captain James N. Aneke, ensured its completion. The airport was officially commissioned and began operations on July 15, 1994, during the tenure of late General Sani Abacha.

The names of the prominent Igbo Business Owners who played a significant role in making this dream a reality recently surfaced online. The list includes both typewritten and handwritten names, showcasing the diverse contributions.

Notably, Chief E.C Iwuanyanwu, the owner of the then Iwuanyanwu international football club, now known as Heartland FC, personally donated a substantial sum of N500,000.00 ($1,500,000). In today’s context (2024), this amount holds tremendous value, making Chief E.C Iwuanyanwu the highest donor. Following closely, Chief Sab Ejimofor, owner of Sab Motors and Drilcon construction company back then, popularly known as Ugwu mba 1 of Uturu, contributed N300,000.00 ($900,000), earning him the second-highest donor title. Chief Nnanna Kalu of the renowned Star Paper mill in Aba and Chief J.R Anyachie of Bonaville Trading Company each donated N200,000.00. Arthur Eze of Oranto Oil also made a significant contribution of N100,000.00.

Other notable names among the benefactors include Chief Sam Eke, after whom Samek Junction in Ariaria Market, Aba is named, the late Eze Bernard Enweremadu, the esteemed traditional ruler and head of the Ngwa nation, and His Majesty, Eze Ezoh Ukandu, Enyi n’Obiangwu of Imenyi ancient Kingdom.

For decades, this airport, a testament to the Igbo people’s resilience and collective effort, has served several regions. It facilitated the transportation needs of the commercial city of Onitsha, the automobile and manufacturing hub of Nnewi in Anambra State, the industrial powerhouse of Aba, Umuahia, and Arochukwu in Abia State. Furthermore, the airport also benefits the business districts in Okigwe, Oguta, and Orlu in Imo State, as well as certain parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in the South-South region of Nigeria.

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