Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has announced the procurement of three new aircraft as part of efforts to boost economic activities and improve connectivity within and outside the state.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru disclosed this on Wednesday while delivering his 2026 New Year address to the people of Ebonyi State, titled “Ebonyi Rising: A New Year of Hope and Responsibility.”
He said the aircraft, acquired under the Ebonyi Air initiative, are expected to arrive in January 2026.
According to the Governor, the decision to procure the aircraft is a strategic economic move aimed at opening up the state to investment, tourism, and increased business opportunities, rather than a quest for prestige.
“Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move in and out of the state, and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond,” Nwifuru said.
He explained that Ebonyi Air would reduce travel time and costs, encourage private sector participation, and position the state as a competitive destination for economic activities. The initiative, he added, would support job creation and strengthen Ebonyi’s engagement with the wider national economy.
The Governor noted that the aircraft procurement aligns with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth across all local government areas of the state.
Nwifuru assured residents that the project would be managed prudently to ensure value for money, stressing that improved connectivity is critical to attracting investors and accelerating development.
The state government expressed optimism that the arrival of the three aircraft would mark a new phase in Ebonyi’s economic expansion and reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth and development in 2026 and beyond.
The Governor expressed gratitude to residents for their resilience amid economic challenges in 2025, noting that the relative peace and unity enjoyed by the state remained one of its strongest assets.
He commended farmers, traders, workers, youths, and community leaders for sustaining social and economic stability despite prevailing hardships.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, Nwifuru said all government policies and expenditures are guided by the need to improve the lives of Ebonyians and safeguard the future of the next generation.
Highlighting achievements recorded in 2025, the Governor said his administration demerged the education sector to improve efficiency, expanded scholarship opportunities, launched model schools, and restored stability in tertiary institutions. He also announced investments in vocational training, grants, and the establishment of an ICT University and a University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering.
In the health sector, he said primary healthcare centres were revitalised across the state, hospitals upgraded, health workers recruited, and the state health insurance scheme expanded to provide free maternal and child healthcare.
On infrastructure, Nwifuru said roads were constructed and rehabilitated across all local government areas, rural connectivity improved, and major bridges delivered, including renewal works in Abakaliki metropolis.
He also highlighted economic empowerment initiatives such as the Hawkers’ Fund, youth empowerment programmes, integrated farming models, and the revival of hatchery and feed mill projects aimed at moving residents from subsistence to productivity.
Addressing security, the Governor said collaboration with security agencies and community structures had kept Ebonyi among the safest states in the South-East.
Nwifuru disclosed that the state’s ₦884.8 billion 2026 budget prioritises capital projects, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment, security, and social welfare, assuring residents that it would be implemented with transparency and fiscal discipline.
He also announced plans to establish a modern cement factory to harness the state’s abundant limestone deposits, create jobs, boost internally generated revenue, and reduce the cost of building materials.
On democratic governance, the Governor assured residents that local government elections scheduled for 2026 would be free and fair, stressing that there would be no imposition of candidates. He added that appointed officials intending to contest must resign to ensure fairness.
Nwifuru further announced the granting of pardons to eight individuals, including five posthumous pardons, in line with constitutional provisions, describing the move as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and healing.
Calling for unity, lawfulness, and civic responsibility, the Governor urged youths to reject crime and violence, workers to remain diligent, and traditional and religious leaders to continue promoting peace.
He reaffirmed his commitment to govern with fairness and humility, praying for peace, progress, and prosperity for Ebonyi State and Nigeria in 2026.
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