Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated a 3.1-kilometer runway at the Wilberforce Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.
She performed the ceremony on the margins of her visit to the state where she attended the 2024 Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration.
The First Lady was joined at the inauguration ceremony by Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the state Governor, Francis Nwifuru and former Secretary to the Nigerian government, Pius Anyim among others.
While applauding the state Governor for seeing the project through, the First Lady said commercial activities at the airport will usher in more socio-economic development for the State.
The inauguration of the runway is a significant ceremony that is crucial to the commencement of commercial flight operations at the airport, scheduled for December 12 this year.
Mrs Tinubu later interacted with Ebonyi State traditional rulers at the Presidential Lodge, Abakaliki, where she extolled the state’s peaceful nature and described it as a beacon of hope for the country.
“Nigeria has everything it takes for us to be a great nation. We have to continue to bless this land and I appeal to you our traditional rulers to lead in that regard,” she said.
Also Read: Presidential Aide Praises Ebonyi Governor’s Effort In Infrastructure Development
Women’s Day
Addressing women who converged on the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, for their 2024 Women’s Day Celebration, the First Lady acknowledged the theme of the celebration “Uplifting Women For Sustainable Development,” noting the tremendous support they have enjoyed from the State Governor in the areas of appointment and interventions.
“Let me go back to greet your Governor. He has gone beyond the 35 percent in female appointments. His Deputy is a woman, same for the Secretary to the State Government and many down the line.
“Now I want to announce that he has decided to empower 130 people with businesses with one million Naira each as business recapitalization grants,” she said.
Referring to her pet project; the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady added that: “As RHI, we did not come empty-handed. We are donating a sum of 50 million Naira, 20,000 wrappers, shoes and bags to support businesses of women in that line, in this State.”
Yuletide
With the Yuletide season fast approaching, the First Lady appealed to market women to refrain from unfair hike in prices of food items during the festive season.
The State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, while appreciating the First Lady for the visit, acknowledged the impact of RHI intervention programmes in the State and thanked her for bringing dividends of democracy to Ebonyi women.
He added that he is indebted to the women of the state, whose contributions to the development of the State has been tremendous.
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