The Federal Government has pledged its readiness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State government in turning Maintainance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at the Akwa Ibom International Airport to a national hanger.

President Goodluck Jonathan made the pledge on Saturday during an official reception held in his honour at Government House banquet hall, Uyo, shortly after the inauguration of an ultra-modern Governor's Office and ground-breaking ceremony of the International Stadium Complex, Uyo.

The president said that having a national hanger was of a national interest to the country, adding, “we will continue to partner with the state and other states to bring in more development to the country.”

Jonathan, who congratulated Governor Akpabio on the speedy transformation of the state, particulary the commissioning of the new Governor's Office and ground- breaking ceremony of the international stadium, noted that it showed good leadership, recalling that recently, he was in the state for the inauguration of an e-library and dualised Aka-Nung Udoe Road among others.

According to him, the feat bore an testimony of Akpabio administration to modernise the state and contribute to a democratic era as well as a clear indication that democracy was taking a strong root in the state, applauding the present administration in the state for its performance in the provision of infrastructural facilities.
The president said he was initially reluctant to partner the state government in the consturction of federal roads in the state, but changed his mind due to the economic importance of the roads coupled with the fact that Governor Akpabio was capable of completing the job on schedule, hence the approval the Federal Government gave to the state government to do so.

Governor Godswill Akpabio said the job for the new Governor’s Office was scheduled to be completed in 18 months but commended the Secretary to the State Government for cooperating with the construction company that handled the construction of the office and for making it possible that it was completed in just eight months.

The Governor hoped the same thing would apply to Akwa Ibom State Stadium which foundation stone was laid today saying the stadium non completion would boast of a 30,000 seater stadium with a banquet hall, proximate conveniences for spectators, restaurants on each floor, among others.