RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State, prompting the state government to renew its appeal for increased patronage of the facility.
Mr Jonathan arrived at about 8 a.m. aboard a private jet and was received by Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, alongside members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
He was accompanied by members of his entourage, including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peter Akpeh.
The former president was travelling to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State to attend an event.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
Mr Omebeh said Mr Jonathan’s use of the airport highlighted its importance as an emerging aviation gateway into the state.
He used the occasion to renew the government’s appeal to airlines, private aircraft operators, corporate organisations and other aviation users to patronise the facility.
According to the commissioner, sustained patronage would help the state maximise the airport’s potential in areas such as transportation, tourism, commerce, investment and the movement of people and goods.
“The arrival of the former President further underscores the strategic importance of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport as a major gateway into Ebonyi State,” Mr Omebeh said.
The state government is also working to resolve outstanding operational issues at the airport as it pursues the commencement of scheduled commercial flights.
Mr Omebeh said substantial work had already been completed at the facility, while additional interventions and regulatory processes were ongoing to pave the way for full commercial operations.
Among those who received Mr Jonathan at the airport were the commissioners for Information; Lands; Transport; Commerce, Industry and Business Development; and Health.
They included Matthew Nwobashi, Emeka Igboke, Oguzor Offia Nwali and Moses Ikenna Ekuma.
After the reception, Ms Obila accompanied Mr Jonathan and his delegation to Boki Local Government Area in Cross River State for the scheduled event.
According to the statement, the former president was expected to return to Ebonyi later in the day for a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge in Abakaliki before departing through the airport for Bayelsa State.
Mr Omebeh said the Ebonyi government welcomed Mr Jonathan’s use of the airport and regarded it as an indication of confidence in the facility.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing the airport into an important aviation hub capable of improving connectivity and supporting economic activity in Ebonyi and the surrounding region.
