NEWS
Ebonyi Subsidizes Flight Fares, Sets to Kickoff Export of Agricultural Produce
From Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government on Monday announced the subsidization of flight fares to ease stress faced by air travellers in the country, in particular the SouthEast region.The state government equally said that the Chuba Okadigbo International airport digital booking platform is currently 80 percent complete and set to go live by October to allow global Access to its services.
The Commissioner also noted that the airport is set to leverage the airport’s cargo facilities for international export of agricultural produce and solid minerals. The Commissioner for Aviation and Technology Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu disclosed this while interacting with journalists at the airport, also revealed that United Nigeria Airlines will commence scheduled commercial flights from June 13, offering routes from Onueke to Abuja and Lagos.She added that operations will initially run twice a week—Abuja flights on Mondays and Lagos flights on Fridays.She noted that the agricultural produce and solid minerals to export includes yams, rice, cassava, salt, and limestone. “We are in talks with partners from Dubai and Canada to establish cargo flight arrangements. Ebonyi is ready for global trade,” she said.Obichukwu, noted that the airport, which was initially inaugurated in 2023, experienced a temporary suspension of operations after regulatory agencies flagged issues with the runway. The runway has since been upgraded from concrete to asphalt following recommendations from aviation regulators.“Our governor, His Excellency Rt. Honourable Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, has made air travel affordable by subsidizing ticket prices to a flat rate of ₦100,000 for both Lagos and Abuja routes—less than half the typical fare,”“It’s a strategic move to celebrate the achievements of this two-year-old administration that has accomplished more than many would expect in two decades.”“Today, those who once criticized our runway are now the ones applauding it. We’ve earned their confidence,” she added.Obichukwu , however lauded the aviation agencies—including NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA—for their guidance and confirmed that all operations remain under regulatory compliance. She revealed that the airport’s digital booking platform is currently 80% complete and expected to go live by October,In a passionate appeal to the public, Dr. Obichukwu encouraged citizens to take advantage of the subsidized fares and avoid last-minute travel plans. “This is a rare opportunity. The Friday Abuja flight is already nearly full. It’s strictly first come, first served.”She concluded by highlighting the strategic importance of the airport in addressing the historical economic marginalization of Ebonyi State. “This airport is not just for transport. It’s a gateway to transformation. Ebonyi is no longer a question mark on the development map—we are a bold exclamation.”The commissioner reassured the media of continued transparency and engagement, describing journalists as “image makers,” while affirming their role in constructive criticism and public accountability.“We are on, and no man can stop us again,” she declared.
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has approved an extension of the grace period for the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit requirement to Aug. 12.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the extension followed several concerns and feedback expressed by the public over the reactivation of the digital Tinted Glass Permit application process. “In line with our commitment to delivering transparent, inclusive, and citizen-focused policing, the force wishes to affirm that it has not ignored the voices of Nigerians.“Rather, these voices have been instrumental in guiding ongoing reviews of the process to ensure it remains user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all,” he said.Adejobi said the extension of enforcement was also intended to give room for additional enhancements and refinements to the application process to ensure that no applicant was unduly disadvantaged.According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is actively working to simplify and improve both the physical and contactless application options.He said the idea was to enhance verification mechanisms and streamline procedures to reduce delays and eliminate undue inconveniences.”Members of the public are reminded that the authorised platform for the application and renewal of the Tinted Glass Permit is accessible via http://www.possap.gov.ng.“Citizens are also encouraged to report all unauthorised or hidden charges as well as extortion in the course of application or biometric capturing to police authorities, including via the dedicated hotline: 09169967000,” he said.Adejobi pledged the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to public safety, digital innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery.He urged the public to continue to cooperate and be patient with the Nigeria Police Force as it carries the reforms. (NAN)
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State declared his support on Saturday for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Yahaya made the announcement during the ground-breaking ceremony for a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in the state. He praised Tinubu’s administration for introducing initiatives that have brought positive change and development across the country.
The governor highlighted the livestock sector as one that has seen significant improvement since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. Yahaya said Tinubu’s investments in the livestock value chain are aimed at economic growth, job creation, and improving citizens’ welfare. He stated that the agro-livestock industrial zone in Gombe is supported by Tinubu’s administration, which approved ₦120 billion and released 50 per cent of the funds. “I assure the President that for what he has done, is doing, and will do, Gombe people will follow him to the battlefield blindfolded. “We will work for his success in 2027. By God’s grace, his re-election is assured,” Yahaya said. The governor noted Tinubu’s support for the livestock sector, a largely Northern business long overlooked, reflects his care for the people. “If not for a President who loves his people and has the capacity and will, this transformation would not have happened. “No Northern leader in 47 years of power considered investing ₦120 billion to transform the livestock sector, despite it being a predominantly Northern industry,” he said. Yahaya commended Tinubu’s commitment to fully developing the agricultural sector in Gombe and across the country. He assured Nigerians that in spite of temporary hardships from ongoing reforms, better days lie ahead under Tinubu’s leadership. (NAN)
MTN Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have joined forces in a landmark collaboration to tackle illicit drug use among youths in Enugu State.The collaboration was officially inaugurated during the first-ever “Advocacy Walk Against Drug Abuse” on Saturday as part of MTN’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).
The walk, which began and ended at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Campus Three, aimed to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of substance abuse. The initiative forms part of the larger War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign spearheaded by MTN and NDLEA.At the event, Enugu State NDLEA Commander, Mr Abel Wadahi, revealed alarming statistics: stating that more than 400,000 people, mostly youths, were involved in drug abuse across the state.Represented by Deputy State Commander Mr John Oga, the agency cited recent drug integrity tests underscoring the severity of the issue.“The youth bear the brunt of this menace, which is why we are focusing our efforts on them.“We want to empower them as ambassadors to bridge generational gaps and help eradicate drug abuse,” Wadahi said.He highlighted peer pressure, curiosity, and experimentation as primary factors driving substance use, naming cannabis (igbo), marijuana, and the rapidly spreading “mkpurummiri” (methamphetamine) as the most commonly abused drugs.“Mkpurummiri is especially dangerous, causing mental health disorders and leaving many users vulnerable on our streets. Urgent intervention is critical,” Wadahi warned.“Since the inception of WADA in Enugu, NDLEA has conducted outreach activities in more than 135 locations, including schools, religious centres, and workplaces, directly educating more than 69,000 people on the risks of drug abuse.“We also promote sports and endurance treks to offer healthy alternatives and keep vulnerable youths away from drugs,” Wadahi added.Representing MTN Nigeria, Pamela Emodi, Manager of Youth Development, stressed the importance of education and partnership in the fight against substance abuse.“MTN ASAP targets youths aged 10 to 25 through a comprehensive, multi-sector approach.“Today’s walk coincides with the United Nations 2025 World Drug Day and reflects our strong collaboration with NDLEA.“Since its launch in 2019, ASAP has reached more than 91 million Nigerians.“In 2024 alone, the programme engaged 27,000 students and 450 teachers across 55 secondary schools in 12 states, providing counselling through the NDLEA 247 psychosocial health desk.“This year, we aim to train 86,000 students and 1,500 teachers in 12 additional states, organise more advocacy walks in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and hold stakeholder conferences in Abuja and Lagos,” she said.Highlighting the urgent public health challenge, Mr David Folaranmi, Enugu State Coordinator for the International Society for Substance Use Professionals, emphasised the growing threat posed by substance abuse across Nigeria..(NAN)
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