By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Commissioner for Aviation and Technology, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, emphasized the rapid influence of the Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo Airport in Ebonyi State, asserting its potential to surpass other airports in the South East region.
Speaking to journalists in Onueke, Dr. Obichukwu underlined the strategic significance of Chuba Okadigbo Airport due to its proximity to the Cameroon and Trans-Saharan borders.
Dr. Obichukwu noted that the airport’s popularity has soared, partly due to the disregard for the sit-at-home order within the state. This situation has drawn considerable attention from neighboring states such as Ogoja, Ikom, Yahe, Okigwe, and Enugu, where individuals can conduct business without the constraints of the sit-at-home order.
Adding that the airport’s unique location along the Trans-Saharan route will equally attracts travelers from Cameroon.
“The Ebonyi airport poses a notable challenge to numerous other airports in the South East due to its strategic location.
People from various regions will be flocking here, primarily because of the absence of sit-at-home restrictions. With the Trans-Saharan route and its international classification, the airport provides easy access for investors, students, and locals to engage in their regular activities,” said Dr. Obichukwu.
She further added, “Sitting on such a advantageous site, Ebonyi State, as a major agricultural producer, would be able to export its products efficiently.
” Our concerns aren’t related to a lack of passengers, but rather overcrowded passengers.”
Acknowledging the government’s efforts, Dr. Obichukwu expressed gratitude for the subsidization of flight tickets by the Governor. Commuters traveling between Abuja and Ebonyi, as well as Lagos and Ebonyi using United Nigeria Airline, will enjoy a reduced fare of 50,000 naira twice in a week, scheduled on Mondays and Fridays.