2 Years After, Ebonyi State Airport Turned To Worship Centre

Ebonyi state airport was commissioned on May 26, 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari

Almost 2 years after the opening, the facility has been partially converted to worship centre

Ebonyi state government says the airline operations will resume in the airport by November, 2024

On May 26, 2023 Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari Commissioned the Ebonyi State International Airport in Southeast Nigeria.

It was gathered that flight operation was carried out in April, few weeks to the commissioning with about two airlines landing in the facility.

The Airport which was named after Nigeria’s President but later renamed after former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo is situated in Onueke, Abakaliki, the State Capital.

According to the economic plans of the project, the Airport will boost the Economy of the State in particular and Nigeria at large.

During the commissioning, President Buhari Commended Governor Umahi’s prudence in the management of the State resources.

Ebonyi state airport on the day of commissioning

Speaking during the commissioning of the multimillion naira project President Buhari stated that “am delighted with the level of Development in Ebonyi State under the watch of Governor David Umahi. Umahi has done tremendously well in the development of the State.”

The Governor of the State, Engr David  Umahi also thanked President Mohammadu Buhari for all he has done in Nigeria and Ebonyi State in particular.

“Let me thank President Muhammadu Buhari for all the support he has given to the Ebonyi people. There has never been a time I run to him to help Ebonyi State that he  declined.”

However, more than eighteen months after the commissioning of the project, no single flight, both local and international has landed in the gigantic airport.

It was also gathered that the airport has been turned into a church of some sort as some churches use the facility for their Sunday worship.

NEWS DIRECT gathered that though the newly commissioned airport, which was expected to boost the state’s economy and connectivity, has instead become a gathering ground for worship services as no airlines or passengers have yet utilized its facilities.

Further findings by our reporter showed that nearly two years after its grand opening, the airport remains devoid of commercial flights, leaving its expansive halls and open spaces largely empty.

With the anticipated influx of travelers still unfulfilled, some residents have repurposed sections of the airport as a venue for religious gatherings.

It was gathered that the ugly development has raised questions regarding the planning and operational readiness of the project, which was initially hailed as a transformative infrastructural advancement for the state.

In response to the lack of airline presence, community members and stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. While some view the religious use of the facility as a practical way to utilize an otherwise empty space, others question the allocation of state resources to a project that has yet to deliver on its promise of economic growth and accessibility for Ebonyi State.

The government has yet to provide a statement regarding timelines for commercial flights to begin operations, leaving the future of Ebonyi State’s airport in uncertainty.

One of the community, Friday Ogodo told News Direct that “it is very unfortunate that such gigantic project which gulped huge state resources is being used just as a worship centre. I am not happy with the situation but what can I do.”

Some worshippers inside the airport basement

In a telephone chat, Mr. Ogodo stated that “if the state government cannot use it now let the facility be a joint partnership other firm or firms who may be of help to give maximum use it deserves.”

Another indigene of the state Mr. James Nwagu told our reporter that “ the people of Ebonyi state are not quite happy with the state over the abandonment of this project. Though initially when the project was being conceived, majority of the indigenes of the state kicked against it on the ground that it seemed like white elephant project.”

Explaining, further, Mr. Nwagu said “how can you build such project when majority of our graduates in the state are jobless? How can you build such project when there is high level of poverty and illiteracy in the state?  Our hospitals are empty, our teachers and civil servants are being owed their salaries. Honestly speaking, that fund would have been channeled towards other developmental projects other than this white elephant project.”

Ebonyi state government reacts to the alleged abandonment

As the disaffection over the alleged abandonment of the facility continues to grow, Ebonyi State Government has said that flight operations at the Airport is expected to begin in November.

The State Commissioner for Aviation, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, made this known while briefing Governor Francis Nwifuru during his inspection of the facility.

The inspection was as part of activities to mark the state’s 28th anniversary.

Obichukwu said that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, had inspected the airport’s runway which, she said, was the only aspect delaying the commencement of flight operations.

According to the commissioner, “The 3.1kilometre runway which can accommodate five aircrafts at a time was asphalted by the present administration in the state.

Worshippers in the airport

“The airport had earlier commenced operations but most aircraft could not cope with the runway due to non-asphalting of the concrete basement used in constructing it.

“We, however, commenced the asphalting of the runway in October 2023 and completed it on July 8, 2024,” she said.

Explaining further, she said that NCAA had inspected the runway and was expected to give approval for flight operations by November.