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DELTA INAUGURAL REMARKS
The CEO, Delta Air Lines Inc., The Vice President, Delta Air Lines Inc.,Ambassador Andrew Young, Chairman, Goodworks International, H. E. Usman Baraya, Acting Head of Mission, Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, Consul General of Nigeria to New York, Hon. Ibrahim Auwalu, The Chief of Protocol, Georgia State, Mr. Chris Young ,Fellow Nigerians here present, in solidarity with the Delta Air Lines, Distinguished guests and employees of the Delta Air Lines Inc. It is appropriate to begin my short remarks by sincerely thanking the authorities of the Delta Air Lines Inc, for its well- meaning invitation to me, not only to be on this inaugural flight, but also granting me, the opportunity to present brief remarks, before the commencement of the flight to Lagos, Nigeria. Clearly, this is a mark of honor for my dear country, Nigeria and a clear statement on the warmth and friendship that underlines the high level of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Nigeria. The Delta Air Lines Inc. is a world class carrier, with an expansive domestic and international network, spanning the entire North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, the Caribbean and Africa. In fact, I do not know of any Air line with a larger route network, carrying more passengers across the Atlantic with indelible footprints than the Delta Air Lines. I however know that Delta’s Atlanta hub is the busiest airline hub in the world. To that extent, Delta’s principled and well informed decision to conduct direct flights to Lagos, Nigeria, the heartbeat of Africa, is a strategic move, not just for business and promotion of trade and investments, but above all, ensuring people-to-people contact in an unparalleled and unique way of sharing ideas and cultures, which the United States is noted for. Nigeria, with a population of over 140 million people, represents more than 20% of the entire sub Saharan population in Africa. It is, therefore, easy to appreciate why one out of every five Africans you meet, must be a Nigerian. As a matter of fact, Nigeria is the most populous black nation on earth. It is also important to seize this occasion to underscore the fact that Nigeria is a thriving democracy with free people and a robust economy which supplies more than 15% of the United States Oil needs. Think about it, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, this decision by the Delta Air Lines Inc. is significant. It is a dream come true because we can surely talk of having early dinner in the United States and breakfast in Nigeria, thereby eliminating the hassle of transiting into continental Europe with attendant visa requirements and long waiting hours. As a confident building measure, I look forward to a day when Nigerian Air Lines will also fly into Atlanta under a reciprocal arrangement. Above all, our relationship with the United States is strategic, cordial and anchored on mutual respect, goodwill, genuine friendship and understanding. What is more, apart from economic and political considerations, our bonds of friendship is further enhanced by tangible historical and cultural linkages. I am confident, that this wonderful endeavor by the Delta Air Lines through direct flights will further strengthen and broaden the basis of our bilateral economic cooperation. In conclusion, while conveying Nigerian’s support and solidarity, it seems to me that this is a remarkable day we need to acknowledge and fly our flags for the records. It now remains for us to pray that this noble venture by the Delta Air Lines Inc. will not only succeed but surpass its expectations for the mutual benefit of both countries. I have no doubt that this objective will be realized. |