Ohanaeze youths knock FG over closure of Enugu airport, concession plan

Fresh condemnation has trailed the sudden closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had announced that there is a significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway that requires emergency repairs.

FAAN, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that the repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.

FAAN added that all flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports.

However, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said it was unjust for the FAAN to shut the airport without giving adequate notice to the users.

Okwu said, “to make the matter worse, it came during the festive period, as though Ndigbo, who are known to be regular travelers during this period, are the targets.

“Did the airport runway suddenly develop a fault? We are aware that airlines have been complaining about this, but the government waited till the Easter period to hastily shut down the airport, throwing our people into confusion.

“This is not the first time Ndigbo are being subjected to this cruel treatment. The last time the runway was re-asphalted, it was also shut down during the Easter period.

“However, what makes the present case worse is the lack of notice.

“The cruel and degrading treatment of the affairs of Ndigbo in Nigeria should stop.

“We know for sure that this cannot happen in Lagos, Abuja or Kano airports. Why also Ndigbo?” Okwu queried.

The Ohanaeze Youths President urged the government to ensure that the rehabilitation is carried out and completed on the stipulated date.

He also said the explanations offered by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo on the concessioning of the airport was not clear enough.

According to him, “the minister merely painted words without saying anything concrete.

“He said the process is still on; we want to hear- how many years are there in the pipeline for the concessioning. If it is not 80 years, how many years are they proposing?

“We want to make it clear that we are not going to accept anything different from what shall be obtained from other airports.”

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Valentine Ozigbo Resigns from Labour Party

In a shocking move, against all speculations over the last few days, Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP). Ozigbo confirmed his decision to Diaspora Digital Media on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but declined to provide further details, opting instead to share his reasons during an interactive session on X (Twitter) Space. The session, scheduled for 8 PM, will feature Ozigbo in conversation with Anambra's First Son, @uchepokoye, discussing pressing issues affecting Anambra State, including security challenges, societal fabric collapse, and the hope for a better future. Ozigbo's resignation has sparked interest, with many awaiting his detailed explanation for leaving the Labour Party. His decision comes at a critical time for the party, which has been navigating various challenges in recent months. Credit: Diaspora Digital Media

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