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Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State, as the state government renewed its appeal for increased patronage of the facility by airlines, private aircraft operators and other aviation users.

Jonathan landed at the airport at about 8:00 a.m. in a private jet and was welcomed on behalf of the Ebonyi State Government by Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, alongside members of the State Executive Council and other senior officials.

The former President was accompanied by members of his entourage, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpeh, as he travelled to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State for a function.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that Jonathan’s use of the airport further highlighted its strategic relevance as an emerging gateway into Ebonyi State.

Omebeh said the state government was using the occasion to again appeal to airlines, private aircraft operators, corporate organisations and other aviation users to patronise the airport.

According to him, sustained patronage is essential to maximising the airport’s economic and developmental potential, particularly in 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 further stated that the state government remained committed to developing and utilising the facility as a major aviation gateway for Ebonyi State and the surrounding region.

Jonathan’s arrival comes as the Ebonyi Government continues efforts to address outstanding operational matters at the airport and push forward plans for the commencement of scheduled commercial airline services.

The state government had previously said significant work had been completed at the facility, while further interventions and regulatory procedures were ongoing to enable full commercial operations.

At the airport, Jonathan was received by 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.

After the reception, Obila personally accompanied Jonathan and members of his entourage to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where he was expected to attend the event.

The statement added that Jonathan was expected to return to Ebonyi later that day for a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Abakaliki, before heading back to the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport for his onward trip to Bayelsa State.

Omebeh said the state government appreciated the former President’s patronage of the airport, describing his arrival as a demonstration of confidence in the facility.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to positioning the airport as a catalyst for economic activity, stronger connectivity and increased movement of people and goods into and out of Ebonyi State.

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