——- Says the strategic upgrade positions the state as a competitive destination within Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
Enugu State Chairman, All Progressives Congress(APC), Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, made this known, while speaking on the topic “Positioning APC for Future Electoral Success in Enugu State,” on the programme, Beyond the Headlines on Freedom Square TV, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.
Dr. Chukwunweike praised the governor’s efforts, particularly the transformation and modernization of the Enugu Airport, describing it as a critical gateway for economic growth and tourism development in the state.
Dr. Chukwunweike noted that the improved airport facilities have significantly enhanced accessibility to Enugu, making it more attractive to investors, tourists, and business travelers.
He emphasized that the state’s alignment and cooperation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government would bring additional benefits, including increased federal support, infrastructural funding, and policy synergy.
According to him “A lot of things has happened but one major thing that has happened is the concession of Enugu Airport. Enugu Airport has been concessioned to a
private firm. Enugu State is the major player in that particular concessioning. If we are not connected to the centre, it would not have been easy for us to get. You know Enugu Air has about six Aircrafts by now. We started with three and now we have six. Before the end of the year, it will be twenty. Latest by July this year, Enugu Air will be handling international flights, which means if you want to go to any part of the world—United Kingdom, United States, you do not need to go to Abuja or Lagos to board a flight. Now if you see what has happened in Enugu Airport before, when you want to travel, you have to book a ticket probably a week before you travel: but I can tell you now that if you want to go to Abuja now or Lagos, you will have available flight that will take you there. We now have morning, afternoon and evening flights. This is because of what connecting to the centre has done. Also we had a minister who was an APC extraction but when we came in, we now have a minister for science, innovation and technology that was directly appointed by the president, nominated by Governor Peter Mbah. It is a big thing for us. In support of the things that has been happening, the president has been to Enugu, and immediately appointed the Governor, Chairman of a Committee to Chair the
Rehabilitation of Police Institution. Each time the president travels, he sees Governor Peter Mbah as an important person to accompany him because of his way of reasoning and how he has attracted developments to Enugu and know that he can attract things to Nigeria. You know Enugu just joined APC but all zonal APC meetings now hold in Enugu because Enugu is the capital of South East. We just had elections and somebody from Enugu State won the election—Dr. Ben Nwoye. He emerged as Deputy National Chairman of APC, South. If we are not connected to the centre, we wouldn’t have gotten that position.”
“Connecting with the central government is not just political; it is a pathway to accelerated development,” he stated, adding that such collaboration would open more opportunities for Enugu State in areas such as aviation, hospitality, and commerce.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment in infrastructure and strategic governance, Enugu would continue to attract both local and international visitors, ultimately boosting internally generated revenue and creating jobs for residents.
He therefore urged stakeholders to support the current administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a modern, tourism driven economy, noting that the state is already on a promising path toward becoming one of Nigeria’s leading destinations.