Ebonyi Acquires Three Aircraft to Drive Economic Growth

The Ebonyi State Government has announced the procurement of three aircraft under the Ebonyi Air Outfit, which are expected to arrive in the state on January 26.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this on Thursday in Abakaliki during his New Year broadcast to the people of the state, describing the move as part of an aggressive strategy to boost Ebonyi’s economy.

According to the governor, the initiative is not driven by prestige but by a deliberate plan to open up the state to increased economic activities.

“Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move freely from the state and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond.

“Ebonyi Air will support business growth, encourage tourism and reduce the time and cost of travel.

“This will also strengthen Ebonyi’s position as a state that is ready to engage with the wider economy and attract new opportunities,” Nwifuru said.

He explained that enhanced connectivity would help create conditions that promote trade, investment and job creation, making the state more accessible and competitive.

The governor also announced plans to establish a modern cement factory to take advantage of Ebonyi’s vast limestone deposits.

“Additionally, we will commence the establishment of a modern cement factory to harness our abundant limestone deposits.

“Raw materials from different parts of Nigeria have been transported elsewhere for processing, and our goal is to add that value at home.

“Processing our limestone within Ebonyi will secure jobs, skills, and income within our communities,” he said.

Nwifuru noted that the cement factory would boost industrial development while creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents.

“The investment will contribute significantly to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and also support construction activities.

“This project is part of a broader plan to move Ebonyi from a consumption to a production economy – one that uses its natural resources wisely.

“Economic progress must go hand-in-hand with democratic responsibility as development is strongest when leadership is chosen by the people it serves,” the governor added.

On local government administration, Nwifuru assured residents that Ebonyi would conduct its own local government elections in 2026, pledging that the process would be free and fair.

“Let me state that there will be no imposition of candidates as local government council leaders must emerge through people’s votes and not through appointment or influence,” he said.

The governor also highlighted achievements recorded by his administration in the areas of the economy, infrastructure, education and health, among others, while pledging to consolidate on the gains already made across all sectors.

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