Nigeria’s First Lady Inaugurates Airport Runway in Ebonyi, Urges Market Women Against Price Hikes

Nigeria’s First Lady Inaugurates Airport Runway in Ebonyi, Urges Market Women Against Price Hikes

Ebonyi State took a significant step towards enhanced socio-economic development on Friday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, inaugurated the newly constructed 3.1-kilometer runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke.  

The event coincided with the 2024 Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration, which drew dignitaries, including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.  

Speaking at the inauguration, Senator Tinubu commended Governor Nwifuru for successfully completing the airport runway, emphasizing its potential to boost commercial activities and foster economic growth in the state. She disclosed that commercial flight operations are set to commence on December 12, 2024.  

The First Lady also held a meeting with Ebonyi traditional rulers at the Presidential Lodge, Abakaliki, lauding the state’s peaceful nature and its potential to inspire national unity. “Nigeria has everything it takes to be a great nation. I appeal to our traditional rulers to lead in blessing and uniting this land,” she said.  

Empowering Women for Development  

At the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, where women gathered for the 2024 Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration themed *“Uplifting Women for Sustainable Development”*, the First Lady praised Governor Nwifuru for exceeding the 35% benchmark in female appointments. She highlighted his commitment to empowering women, citing the appointment of women as Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, and other key positions.  

She announced a major empowerment initiative by the governor, involving N1 million business recapitalization grants for 130 beneficiaries. Additionally, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady pledged N50 million, along with 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to support women-led businesses.  

 Appeal for Fair Prices During Yuletide  

With the festive season approaching, Senator Tinubu made a heartfelt appeal to market women, urging them to avoid unjustified price hikes on food items. “Let us make this season joyful for all Nigerians,” she said.  

Governor Nwifuru, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and the RHI interventions, which he said have significantly impacted the state. He reiterated his appreciation for the contributions of Ebonyi women to the state’s development.  

The runway inauguration marks a critical milestone for Ebonyi State, signaling new opportunities for growth and connectivity as the state prepares for the commencement of flight operations next month.  

Busola Kukoyi  

SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria