Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, has described as false and cheap blackmail a report in some sections of social media alleging that the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State, was recently submerged by flood following a heavy downpour in the state capital.
Dr Obichukwu noted that the airport has become the envy of many political detractors and that the report aimed to undermine the good works of the past and present administrations in putting up such a befitting airport in the state.
She disclosed this while responding to reports in some sections of the media alleging that parts of the airport lounge were recently overtaken by flood due to the absence of flight activities.
“Thank God you have gone round and seen things for yourself. I am happy that each time they say negative things about the state, the state always stands upright and tall against whatever false allegations.
“Journalism or media information is not meant like this. When there’s criticism, it should be corrective criticism and not an attack. As a reporter, you have seen that there’s nothing like a flood here; everywhere is clean, and you are seeing our flight landing, and by 5 o’clock today, we will be receiving another one.
“I pity those who have not been here or crossed the gate, but are speculating on this false criticism and the picture I saw on social media (Facebook) is not even gotten from here as it is not our own airport, but must say that it is not depicting well,” she stated.
Obichukwu stated that commercial flight operations will commence at the Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, in June 2025.
The aviation commissioner clarified that chartered flights already operate regularly at the airport, noting that two chartered flights—one of which had landed—would be received at the international airport as proof of its operational status.
She further noted that her ministry complies with directives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which has approved a one-month commercial flight operation window at the international airport.
“We are following the Nigeria Aviation Authority’s rules and regulations which for the past six to seven months now, we have been on a charter basis and gradually we want to enter the passenger lifting exercise which will last for one month from June, until they give us another authority to commence another type of operation.
“That’s how airport graduates: You do not just get up and start choosing an operation immediately. Everything follows sequential orders according to FAAN and NCEE. However, the United Nigeria Airlines is coming to lift passengers from Ebonyi to Lagos, Lagos to Ebonyi, Abuja to Ebonyi, and Ebonyi to Abuja. It will last for one month, and very soon, we will be posting how flight payment will be made.”
She further stated that the international airport received a flight with registration number N989BC a few days ago.
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