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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has announced the procurement of three new aircraft for the state airport as part of efforts to boost economic activities and improve connectivity within and outside the state.
Governor Francis Nwifuru made this known on Wednesday while delivering his 2026 New Year address to the people of the state, titled “Ebonyi Rising: A New Year of Hope and Responsibility”.
He said the aircraft, acquired under the Ebonyi Air initiative, are expected to arrive this month.
According to the Governor, the decision to procure the aircraft is a strategic economic move aimed at opening up the state to investment, tourism and increased business opportunities, rather than a quest for prestige.
“Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move in and out of the state, and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond,” Nwifuru said.
He explained that Ebonyi Air will reduce travel time and costs, encourage private sector participation and position the state as a competitive destination for economic activities. The initiative, he added, will support job creation and strengthen Ebonyi’s engagement with the wider national economy.
The Governor noted that the aircraft procurement aligns with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, economic empowerment and inclusive growth across all local government areas of the state.
Nwifuru assured residents that the project would be managed prudently to ensure value for money, stressing that improved connectivity is critical to attracting investors and accelerating development.
The Ebonyi State Government expressed optimism that the arrival of the three aircraft will mark a new phase in the state’s economic expansion and reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth and development in 2026 and beyond.
Nwifuru expressed gratitude to residents of Ebonyi State for their resilience amid economic challenges in 2025, noting that the relative peace and unity enjoyed by the state remained one of its strongest assets.
He commended farmers, traders, workers, youths and community leaders for sustaining social and economic stability despite hardships.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, the Governor said all government policies and expenditures are guided by the need to improve the lives of Ebonyians and protect the future of the next generation.
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Highlighting achievements recorded in 2025, Nwifuru said his administration demerged the education sector to improve efficiency, expanded scholarship opportunities, launched model schools and restored stability in tertiary institutions. He also announced investments in vocational training, grants and the establishment of an ICT University and a University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering.
In the health sector, the Governor said primary healthcare centres were revitalised across the state, hospitals upgraded, health workers recruited and a health insurance scheme expanded to provide free maternal and child care.
On infrastructure, Nwifuru said roads were constructed and rehabilitated across all local government areas, rural connectivity improved and major bridges and projects delivered, including renewal works in Abakaliki metropolis.
He also highlighted economic empowerment initiatives, including the Hawkers’ Fund, youth empowerment programmes, integrated farming models and the revival of hatchery and feed mill projects, aimed at moving residents from subsistence to productivity.
Addressing security, the Governor said collaboration with security agencies and community structures has kept Ebonyi among the safest states in the South-East.
Nwifuru disclosed that the state’s ₦884.8 billion 2026 budget prioritises capital projects, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment, security and social welfare, assuring residents that the budget would be implemented with transparency and fiscal discipline.
He also announced plans to establish a modern cement factory in the state to harness its abundant limestone deposits, create jobs, boost internally generated revenue and reduce the cost of building materials.
On democratic governance, Nwifuru assured residents that local government elections scheduled for 2026 would be free and fair, stressing that there would be no imposition of candidates.
He added that appointed officials intending to contest must resign to ensure fairness.
The Governor also announced the granting of pardons to eight individuals, including five posthumous pardons, in line with constitutional provisions, describing the decision as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and healing.
Calling for unity, lawfulness and civic responsibility, Nwifuru urged youths to reject crime and violence, workers to remain diligent and traditional and religious leaders to continue promoting peace.
He reaffirmed his commitment to govern with fairness and humility, praying for peace, progress and prosperity for Ebonyi State and Nigeria in 2026.
