The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Ebonyi State on Wednesday for the grand finale of the Ebonyi Women’s Day Celebration. She landed at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft marked 5N-FGV, at approximately 3:18 p.m.
Senator Tinubu was received by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, alongside the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, the Ebonyi First Lady, Mrs. Mary Maudline Nwifuru, and 22 members of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, led by their Chairperson, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq of Kwara State.
A key highlight of the visit was the commissioning of the airport’s upgraded runway, a project completed under the Nwifuru administration. The First Lady joined a women’s cultural troupe in a lively celebratory dance with residents at the airport.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Tinubu praised the state government for its commitment to infrastructure and gender inclusion. She said:
“I think your testimonials have really gone ahead of you, and I am really glad to be in Ebonyi State. What I saw today is evidence of hard work and dedication. For a state in Nigeria, your runway is even better than what I commended in Burundi. This is remarkable progress.”
Governor Nwifuru expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the federal support that enabled the runway’s reconstruction. He recounted the challenges faced when his administration took office:
“When we assumed office on May 29, 2023, the runway was constructed with concrete, which is not approved for airport runways. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority closed the airport, and we had to rebuild it entirely. With the support of the President, we now have one of the best runways in Nigeria.”
Commissioner for Aviation, Ngozi Obichukwu, confirmed that commercial flight operations at the airport would commence next month, emphasizing that all obstacles to the launch had been resolved.
The Ebonyi Women’s Day Celebration, an annual event recognizing the contributions of women to the state’s development, marked the First Lady’s visit, which Governor Nwifuru described as a significant boost for the state’s visibility and growth.
