News
Ebonyi Airport: No amount of criticism will stop Gov Nwifuru’s 2nd term – Commissioner
The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu has said that no amount of criticism on the Chuba Okadigbo airport by social media critics can stop the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru from completing his eight years tenure.
Obichukwu equally insisted that the Chuba Okadigbo airport remains the best in flight operations in the South East region, adding that the airport within six months has recorded no fewer than 45 aircrafts take off and landing safely without hiccups.
“Let us give him (Nwifuru) the support, not by castigating.You cannot bring him down as a governor. He’s already a governor. And I want to tell you, he’s coming for the second time. And after the second term, he’s going to Abuja.
“So, whatever you are doing, whatever you are saying in the social media, either to castigate him or to bring him down, you’re bringing yourself down. Whatever you write on social media can never bring Nwifuru down, it can never reduce him from being governor.
The aviation commissioner, Obichukwu who reacted on the closure of Akanu-Ibiam international airport Enugu, and selection of alternative airports by the regulatory bodies, said they have rights to decide or choose whichever airports they want, adding that there is no problem or hiccups with Chuba Okadigbo airport.
Obichukwu who made this known to newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State, commended the governor, Francis Nwifuru for his prudence, transparency to ensure that the Chuba Okadigbo airport becomes the most viable Airport in the SouthEast region, and however, for securing a chartered flight operation permits for the state.
“As it is now, from that October till this period, His Excellency, our dear Governor Nwifuru has been able to obtain what we call the chartered flight operation permit. And it is difficult for even the other airport that started with us to get even one. We have been able to get two from October to January, from January to March, and now from March to July.
“Any other flights that may wish to enter our airport are highly allowed. But will you follow the rules? Will you be on that charter? Recall that the airlines and aircraft operation is business-like. So they are willing to come to pick their passengers here, but the issue of the regulatory bodies that must permit them to come here and pick.
“So, I want to tell our people, both within Ebonyi state and outside, that our governor, Francis Nwifuru, has not erred or delayed anybody from the utilization of this wonderful edifice, and the security and safety is granted. We are only trying to abide by what the regulatory bodies demand us to do.
“The regulatory bodies are the ones delaying us.They will be here to tell us they are done, because over 170 booklets that need to be given to us by them are not yet ready. They are the ones holding those booklets.
“We call it the regulatory operation booklets. Not until they complete all the write-ups will they now give. Recently, they’ve started sending the normal bodies that are in charge of the air, the NAMA, the aerodrome, the NIMET, FAM, AVSEC, and all the rest of the staff are now coming in.
“If the regulatory bodies decide that they are using whichever airport they want to use, that is their decision. It has nothing to do with any mistake or any problem, either in Anambra, in Ebonyi, or Owerri. They have every right constitutionally to decide where they can do what they want to do. Enugu State’s stoppage of landing doesn’t mean that Enugu Airport has fallen. They have to do what they ought to do for security and safety.
“So why are we in a hurry to do something that will bring about problems to the entire state and the entire country? I want to plead with us, Ebonyians, both those that are visitors and those that are indigenous and those that are outside Ebonyi, all the South East, we are doing the best for the South East. Our dear governor, is standing up to do the best so that lives will be saved, so that lives will be secured.
“We cannot get up and rush things now. If you cannot travel by air, there is no place that it is written you must travel by air. You can use any other means. If you cannot use Asaba, there is Owerri. They didn’t ban Owerri. They didn’t ban Anambra.
“But for Ebonyi State, there is nothing wrong and there is no problem. And our governor is working day and night to ensure that we attain that which is stipulated for us, to ensure that we gain that which he had worked for. Nobody loves to waste money.
“I’m assuring you that this international airport will be the best across the country when the time comes. Right now, His Excellency is working to ensure that we have the airfield lights, the runway airfield lights, which is the major thing that will happen. Ebonyi will start having flights by night. Operationally, we are on for 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., as it is given to us by the regulatory bodies.
“But once we complete the runway light, international flights, local flights, chartered flights, and commercial flights can come in even at 12 midnight. We have capable hands that are working. The Ministry of Aviation has all it takes to run the airport” she stated.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The perennial flooding in Awka, the Anambra State capital, may soon be brought under control following the commencement of flood control measures by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
The Authority has commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream as part of efforts to improve the flow of floodwater and reduce flooding on major roads and streets within the capital territory.
During the rainy season, Zik’s Avenue, one of the major roads in Awka, is frequently affected by flooding, with water reportedly submerging buildings and disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement, particularly around Eke Awka Main Market.
The ACTDA management has also commenced the desilting of drains and flood channels across the capital territory to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ozo Ossy Onuko, attributed the recurring flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, largely caused by human activities.
Onuko said the desilting of drains would remain a continuous exercise, adding that the Authority would periodically clear the drainage channels to improve water flow.
“What we must understand is that the flood is as a result of the drainage that has been blocked, and this is due to human activities. When you go to Eke Awka Market, most of the water channels are affected, but we shall continue to carry out the desilting of those drainages for water to flow easily,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Obibia Stream was being dredged to facilitate the easy flow of floodwater.
“As you also know, we have commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream, which is part of efforts by government towards putting an end to the perennial flooding in the Capital City,” Onuko stated.
The ACTDA boss also observed that some of the drainage channels constructed in Awka in the past were not deep or wide enough to accommodate the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.
According to him, the situation is further worsened when residents block the drainage channels with refuse and other materials.
He said the Authority was mobilising and sensitising market organisations and village associations to support government efforts in tackling flooding within the capital territory.
“Government is surely playing its role in that regard, but it is also the duty of residents of the Capital City to clear their gutters and ensure that garbage is not dumped inside the drainages,” he said.
Onuko expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would significantly reduce the flooding problem in Awka, while urging residents to support the government’s efforts.
“With what we are doing so far, the challenges of flooding would soon be a thing of the past, and we urge all and sundry to be part of this move because natural disasters know no bounds,” he stated.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has initiated steps to prosecute persons who deny women and girls their right to inherit property on the basis of their gender.
Nweke has consequently directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints of gender-based disinheritance and transmit the relevant case files to his office for prosecution.
This was contained in a letter personally signed by the Attorney-General and made available to newsmen on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The letter stated that the practice of denying women and girls the right to inherit property because they are female constitutes a criminal offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State, and is punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment.
In the letter addressed to the police, Nweke said:
“In light of the foregoing, you are kindly requested to ensure that your office thoroughly investigates all reported cases of gender-based disinheritance and that the case files are transmitted to this Ministry for further action.”
He further disclosed that the Ministry had designated its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to prosecute offenders under the law.
According to him, the unit would handle such cases alongside other forms of domestic violence and sexual offences.
The Attorney-General noted that despite several Supreme Court decisions declaring customs and practices that exclude females from inheriting property unconstitutional and illegal, some members of the public still engage in such discriminatory practices.
He said the state government was determined to enforce the law and ensure that women and girls were protected from discriminatory inheritance practices.
…Says Ogbuekwe’s Victory a Mandate of Trust, Hope in APC
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, which coordinated the electioneering campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the council for what it described as their “overwhelming support, trust and confidence” throughout the election campaign.
Ogbuekwe was declared the winner of the Nkanu East chairmanship election conducted on September 26, 2026, bringing to a close weeks of campaign activities, consultations and community engagements across the local government.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu, and its Spokesperson, Barr. Joshua Ejeh, and issued on Monday, the organisation thanked the people of Nkanu East for turning out in large numbers throughout the campaign period and ultimately giving their mandate to the APC candidate.
The organisation described the people’s reception of the campaign train across the communities as deeply touching, saying the warmth, solidarity and encouragement received at the grassroots remained one of the defining features of the campaign.
It recalled the extensive ward-to-ward engagements during which the campaign team visited communities, interacted with traditional and community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, describing the reception across Nkanu East as a powerful demonstration of grassroots participation.
The organisation particularly recalled instances where residents turned out despite challenging weather conditions to receive the campaign team, including engagements in Nara, Ugbakwa, Owo, Nomeh, Mburubu and Nkerefi, where reports documented significant community participation during the campaign.
According to the statement, the Mmiri-Oma movement was not merely received as a political campaign but as a movement that connected with the aspirations and expectations of ordinary people across the council area.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Nkanu East. You opened your communities to us, listened to our message, travelled with us, stood with us and ultimately entrusted us with your mandate,” the organisation said.
The campaign body said the mandate given to Ogbuekwe by the electorate carried a profound responsibility, stressing that the confidence of the people must now be repaid through service, accountability and meaningful development.
It assured the people that the incoming administration would remain conscious of the fact that the election was not the destination but the beginning of a new responsibility to serve.
The organisation further expressed confidence in Ogbuekwe’s capacity to translate the mandate into practical dividends of democracy, saying his campaign engagements had demonstrated a commitment to listening to communities and understanding their development priorities.
It called on all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands with the incoming administration in building a stronger, more united and prosperous Nkanu East.
“Now that the election is over, the work begins. The campaign has ended, but the responsibility to build Nkanu East has only started,” the statement added.
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation also pledged its continued commitment to the ideals of unity, grassroots participation and inclusive development that characterised the campaign, while urging the people to remain united behind the development of the council area.
It thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, professionals, political stakeholders and supporters who contributed to the success of the campaign.
The organisation equally expressed appreciation to the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the leadership of the APC and all individuals and groups that worked tirelessly throughout the electioneering period to ensure victory.
The campaign council said the overwhelming support received had strengthened its belief that the people of Nkanu East were ready for a new chapter defined by service, inclusion, development and collective progress.
It therefore called on the people to see the emergence of Ogbuekwe not merely as the conclusion of a political contest, but as an opportunity to forge a common front for the advancement of every community across Nkanu East.
“The people have spoken. The mandate has been given. This shows continued trust and hope in the APC. Now is the time to unite, build and deliver. Together, we move Nkanu East forward,” it added.
Nollywood actor Ricardo Agbor has survived a car crash in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The actor disclosed the incident on Saturday in a video shared on his Instagram page, showing his badly damaged Lexus SUV at the scene of the accident.
The silver vehicle suffered extensive damage to its front section, including a crushed bonnet, smashed grille, exposed engine components and a damaged front-left tyre.
In the video, Agbor identified the location of the accident as being in front of the
Cornerstone City billboard in Ibadan.
“This is my vehicle in front of Cornerstone City, Ibadan,” the actor said.
Appearing shaken by the incident, Agbor repeatedly thanked God for sparing his life.
“Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
He later added, “This is what just happened to me now. Oh God.”
In an accompanying post, the actor wrote, “As I was saying… Thank God Almighty I made it out of this. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ.”
There was no immediate information on whether the actor or any other person sustained injuries in the crash.
Ricardo Agbor, also known as Rykardo Agbor, was born on February 4, 1973, in Lagos State and hails from Delta State.
He studied Mass Communication at the University of Ibadan and began his acting career in 1992 after working as a model.
Agbor gained prominence following his appearance in the movie Visa to Hell and has since featured in numerous Nollywood productions in both English and Yoruba.
His acting career spans more than three decades.
Air Peace has reacted to a viral video showing passengers struggling to board one of its aircraft at the Abuja airport.
The video, which has sparked reactions on social media, showed passengers pushing and scrambling to board an Air Peace flight, with airline and airport officials appearing overwhelmed by the crowd.
However, Air Peace said the incident occurred on December 20, 2024, amid flight delays caused by poor weather conditions.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, said harmattan-induced haze and fog had significantly reduced visibility and disrupted flight operations nationwide.
According to him, Air Peace deployed three aircraft to Abuja to evacuate affected passengers and minimise disruptions caused by the delays.
He explained that while passengers were being processed at the boarding gate, the crowd became overwhelming, with some passengers rushing towards the airside.
Ndiulo said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and boarding officers were overwhelmed by the situation, forcing duty managers and ramp officials to mount barricades around the aircraft stairs to separate passengers booked on different flights.
The airline expressed sympathy to passengers affected by the delays but condemned what it described as misinformation and false claims accompanying the viral video.
The statement read in part:
“On the day in question, there were flight delays because of poor weather conditions, specifically harmattan-induced haze and fog, which is common at this time of the year and significantly limits visibility and impacts flight operations nationwide.”
Air Peace said it deployed three aircraft to Abuja to ensure that passengers could continue their journeys with minimal disruption.
The airline also urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading representations of the incident, insisting that the video did not reflect its normal operations or values.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period and sincerely regret any inconvenience these delays may have caused you,” the airline said.
It added that the safety of its passengers and crew remained its utmost priority.
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