Ekpenyong, an engineer, said the adoption would be of economic advantage to Nigeria, going by the positive impact Ibom Air is already making in the aviation sector, rather than investing continually towards developing a national carrier with no success for years.
The lawmaker spoke, recently, with journalists on the 35th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.
Ekpenyong applauded the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel on developmental strides recorded so far, particularly in the aviation industry.
Calling on Federal Government to put up modalities for the adoption of Ibom Air, Ekpenyong said it would put paid to the continuous sinking of resources into plans of floating a national airline, which, according to him, has remained a mirage.
He also lauded Emmanuel for establishing industries in the state and congratulated successive administrations of Akwa Ibom State for their contributions to the development of the state, noting that the contributions of the Victor Attah/Ekpenyong administration were remarkable as the government laid the foundation for the architectural design of the state, commenced work on the airport and other infrastructure, like the Ibom Icon Hotel as well as championing Resource Control with 13 per cent derivation to the state.
He, however, frowned on the situation, where people stand along roads as praise singers instead of being gainfully engaged. He urged Akwa Ibom people, particularly youths, to return to agriculture, especially oil palm production for economic growth.
The senator urged youths to shun laziness and make themselves available for use by politicians for their selfish gains and self-aggrandisement. Rather, he asked them to be positively engaged in entrepreneurial activities to earn income and improve their standard of living.
