Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Saturday arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State, aboard a private jet.
Jonathan, who arrived at about 8:00 a.m. with members of his entourage, was on his way to attend a function in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpeh, was among members of the former President’s entourage.
Jonathan was received on behalf of the Ebonyi State Government by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, alongside members of the State Executive Council and other senior government officials.
Those present included the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh; Commissioner for Lands, Chief Matthew Nwobashi; Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Emeka Igboke; Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia Nwali; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ikenna Ekuma; Commissioner for Works and other senior government officials.
Following the reception, the Deputy Governor personally escorted the former President and his entourage to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where Jonathan was scheduled to attend a function.
The Ebonyi State Government described the former President’s use of the airport as a further demonstration of confidence in the facility and reiterated its call for increased patronage of the airport by airlines, private aircraft operators, corporate organisations and other air users.
According to the government, sustained patronage is critical to maximising the economic and developmental benefits of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, particularly in the areas of connectivity, investment, tourism, business activities and the movement of people and goods.
The government further stated that the airport has the potential to serve as a major aviation gateway for Ebonyi State and the wider region, while reaffirming its commitment to the continued development and utilisation of the facility.
Jonathan is expected to return to Ebonyi later in the day, where he will be hosted to a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Abakaliki.
He is thereafter expected to proceed to the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, for his onward journey to Bayelsa State.
The Ebonyi State Government welcomed the former President and expressed appreciation for his use of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.
