Jonathan lands at Ebonyi airport, calls for greater patronage

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Ebonyi State, as the state government renewed its appeal to airlines, private aircraft operators and other air users to patronise the facility.

Jonathan, who arrived at about 8:00 a.m. aboard a private jet, was received on behalf of the Ebonyi State Government by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, alongside members of the State Executive Council and other senior government officials.

The former President was accompanied by members of his entourage, including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpeh, on his way to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State to attend a function.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, who said Jonathan’s use of the airport further underscored its strategic importance as an emerging gateway into Ebonyi State.

Omebeh said the state government was using the development to reiterate its call for greater patronage of the airport by airlines, private aircraft operators, corporate organisations and other aviation users.

He said sustained patronage remained critical to maximising the economic and developmental benefits of the airport, particularly in the areas of connectivity, investment, tourism, commerce and the movement of people and goods.

“The arrival of the former President further underscores the strategic importance of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport as a major gateway into Ebonyi State,” Omebeh said.

The commissioner added that the government was committed to the continued development and utilisation of the facility as a major aviation gateway serving Ebonyi State and the wider region.

Jonathan’s arrival comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi Government to resolve outstanding operational issues at the airport and advance plans towards the commencement of scheduled commercial airline operations.

The state government had earlier disclosed that substantial work had been completed at the airport, while additional interventions and regulatory processes were being pursued to facilitate full commercial operations.

At the airport, the former President was received by the Deputy Governor Obila, alongside Omebeh; Commissioner for Lands, Chief Matthew Nwobashi; Commissioner for Transport, Emeka Igboke; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia Nwali; Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ikenna Ekuma, and other senior government officials.

Following the reception, Obila personally escorted Jonathan and his entourage to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where he was scheduled to attend the function.

According to the statement, Jonathan is expected to return to Ebonyi later in the day for a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Abakaliki, before proceeding to the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport for his onward journey to Bayelsa State.

Omebeh said the government welcomed the former President’s patronage of the airport and viewed his arrival as a demonstration of confidence in the facility.

He reiterated the administration’s determination to position the airport to support economic activity, improve connectivity and facilitate greater movement into and out of the state.

Jonathan lands at Ebonyi airport, calls for greater patronage