First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially commissioned the newly refurbished runway at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.
The renovation, executed under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, resolves the prolonged inactive use of the airport, which had seen no commercial activity since its launch nearly two years ago.
Commissioner for Aviation, Ngozi Obichukwu, confirmed that the airport is now poised to begin commercial flight operations next month, as all previous challenges have been resolved under the governor’s leadership.
Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s support in upgrading the runway to meet the standards of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He revealed that the runway’s original concrete construction did not meet aviation regulatory standards, necessitating a complete overhaul.
“In May 2023, when we assumed office, the runway was constructed using concrete,” Nwifuru stated. “Unbeknownst to us, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority does not permit concrete for runways. Consequently, the airport was shut down, rendering it unfit for planes to land. We took it upon ourselves to rebuild the runway from scratch.
“With the unwavering support of President Tinubu and by the grace of God, we have successfully completed the runway, making it one of the finest in Nigeria.”
During the commissioning ceremony, Senator Oluremi Tinubu applauded Governor Nwifuru for his transformative efforts in revitalizing the airport.
“I must say, your achievements precede you,” the First Lady remarked. “I am delighted to be in Ebonyi State, and I am deeply impressed by what I’ve witnessed today. It is a reminder of how beautiful Nigeria truly is, even though we don’t often promote ourselves enough.
“What I saw here today rivals—and even surpasses—what I have seen in other countries. For instance, when we visited Burundi, I was impressed by their facilities. But seeing the runway here in Ebonyi, I can confidently say it is superior.
“Your dedication, especially as a young leader with your hands firmly on the wheel, is commendable. This is evidence of great work, and it gladdens my heart to see leaders making such impactful progress.”
