Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has announced that it has secured the required licence to operate a state-owned airline, confirming that the aircraft for the operation is already on the ground.
The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists shortly after the departure of 90 Ebonyi State scholarship beneficiaries to Europe at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.
According to the commissioner, Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration places strong emphasis on human capital development, describing the governor as a compassionate and people-focused leader.
“My joy is that His Excellency is a humanitarian and empathy-filled governor. If you develop infrastructure without developing human beings, those developments will eventually collapse,” Obichukwu said.
“He is particular about human development, and when these young people go abroad to better themselves, Ebonyi State will ultimately benefit.”
She noted that the state has made significant progress in reversing long-held negative perceptions.
“Before now, Ebonyi was often described as backward, illiterate and downtrodden. But in just three years, the governor’s efforts have shifted the state from that position. Today, Ebonyi is moving ahead of some states that were previously far ahead of us,” she added.
Speaking on aviation infrastructure and safety, Obichukwu emphasised that aviation operations are highly safety-driven.
“Aviation is not land transport; it is purely safety-inclined. Our focus is to ensure that our airport meets all safety requirements,” she said.
She revealed that the permanent control tower at the airport had recently been completed, replacing the mobile tower that had been in use for the past five years.
“About three days ago, we completed the elevation of the permanent control tower. It is a nine-storey structure equipped with an elevator, making access easier for personnel,” she explained.
The commissioner also confirmed that the airport now has functional runway lighting, enabling night operations.
“With the runway lights in place, aircraft can operate safely at night. This is a critical facility that many airports still lack,” she said.
Obichukwu further announced that the airport has now been fully licensed for flight operations.
“We now have licences covering all air flight operations. Ebonyi Air is real, and Ebonyi Air is on the ground,” she declared.
Addressing public concerns over the visibility of the aircraft, she clarified that the state currently lacks aircraft hangars.
“The aircraft cannot be parked here because we do not yet have hangars. Hangars are currently available in Lagos and Abuja. Once all documentation and processes are completed, operations will commence fully,” she said.
She assured residents that both cargo and passenger services would soon begin.
“You will see cargo flights, commercial flights, domestic and international flights operating here by the grace of God,” she concluded.
