First Lady inaugurates Ebonyi airport runway

…appeals to market women on festive price hikes

By Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated a 3.1-kilometer runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State. The ceremony was part of her visit to the state for the 2024 Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration.

Accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru; and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, among other dignitaries, the First Lady commended the governor for completing the project. She emphasized the airport’s potential to transform the state’s economy, noting that commercial flights are scheduled to commence on December 12.

“Commercial activities at this airport will usher in significant socio-economic development for Ebonyi State,” she remarked.

Meeting Traditional Rulers

Later in her visit, Senator Tinubu met with traditional rulers at the Presidential Lodge in Abakaliki, where she lauded the state’s peaceful environment. She urged the royal fathers to lead efforts in fostering unity and invoking blessings for the nation.

“Nigeria has everything it takes to be a great nation. We must continue to bless this land, and I appeal to you, our traditional rulers, to lead in that regard,” she said.

Empowering Women

The First Lady also addressed thousands of women gathered at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium for the Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration. The event, themed “Uplifting Women for Sustainable Development,” showcased the state government’s commitment to female empowerment.

Praising Governor Nwifuru’s administration, she highlighted its notable inclusion of women in governance.

“He has exceeded the 35% benchmark in female appointments. His deputy governor, Secretary to the State Government, and many others in his administration are women,” she noted.

She further announced the governor’s empowerment initiative, which will provide 130 business owners with ₦1 million each as recapitalization grants. In addition, the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) contributed ₦50 million and distributed 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to support women across the state.

Yuletide Appeal

As the festive season approaches, the First Lady made a heartfelt appeal to market women, urging them to avoid hiking food prices during the Yuletide. She called for fairness and consideration in easing the economic burden on citizens.

Governor Nwifuru expressed his gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and the impactful interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative. He also acknowledged the significant role of Ebonyi women in the state’s progress.