Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has landed at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State, with the state government calling for increased patronage of the facility by airlines, commercial and private aircraft operators.
Jonathan arrived at the airport at about 8:00 a.m. on board a private jet, accompanied by members of his entourage, on his way to an engagement in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpeh, was also part of the former President’s entourage.
Jonathan 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.
Among those present at the airport were the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh; Commissioner for Lands, Chief Matthew Nwobashi; Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Emeka Igboke; Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Chief Oguzor Offia Nwali; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development; Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ikenna Ekuma; and the Commissioner for Works.
Following the reception, the deputy governor personally accompanied Jonathan and his entourage to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where the former President was scheduled to attend a function.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, said Jonathan’s use of the airport underscored its strategic importance as a major gateway to Ebonyi State.
He urged airlines, private aircraft operators, corporate organisations and other air users to patronise the facility, stressing that sustained patronage would help maximise its economic and developmental benefits.
According to him, the airport would enhance connectivity while supporting investment, tourism, business activities and the movement of people and goods into and out of Ebonyi State.
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.
He is thereafter expected to return to the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, for his onward journey to Bayelsa State.
The Ebonyi State Government welcomed the former President and expressed appreciation for his patronage of the airport, reiterating its commitment to the continued development and utilisation of the facility as a major aviation gateway for the state and the wider region.
