By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

ABAKALIKI — Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State, en route Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State for a private function.

Jonathan arrived aboard a private jet and was received on behalf of the Ebonyi State Government by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, alongside members of the State Executive Council and other senior government officials.

The former president was accompanied by members of his entourage, including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpeh.

Speaking after the arrival, Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, said Jonathan’s use of the airport underscored its strategic importance as a gateway into the state.

Omebeh renewed the state government’s call for greater patronage of the facility by airlines, private aircraft operators, corporate organisations and other aviation users.

According to him, sustained patronage would help maximise the airport’s economic and developmental benefits, particularly in connectivity, investment, tourism, commerce and the movement of people and goods.

“The arrival of the former President further underscores the strategic importance of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport as a major gateway into Ebonyi State,” Omebeh said.

The commissioner said the state government remained committed to developing and utilising the airport as a major aviation gateway serving Ebonyi and the wider region.

Jonathan’s arrival comes amid the state government’s efforts to resolve outstanding operational issues at the airport and facilitate the commencement of scheduled commercial airline operations.

The government had previously said substantial work had been completed at the facility, while additional interventions and regulatory processes were being pursued towards full commercial operations.

After the reception, Obila escorted Jonathan and his entourage to Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where the former president was scheduled to attend the function.

Omebeh said Jonathan was expected to return to Ebonyi later in the day for a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Abakaliki, before proceeding to the airport for his onward journey to Bayelsa State.

He said the state government welcomed the former president’s patronage of the airport, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the facility.

Omebeh reiterated the administration’s determination to position the airport to support economic activity, improve connectivity and facilitate movement into and out of Ebonyi State.