Torrential rain paralyses activities in Ibadan

on September 23, 2013 / in News 6:10 pm / Comments

Ibadan – A heavy rain in Ibadan, which started on Sunday evening, has paralysed the activities of the residents of the city.

The rain, which has yet to stop on Monday evening, caused the flooding of several bridges across Ibadan.

The submerged bridges include the 7up/Elebu bridge in Oluyole Estate, which prevented residents, including pupils and government workers, from leaving their homes.

Some of the people said however, bemoaned the sudden increase in the cost of transportation, adding that most commercial motorists even declined to convey people to long distances.

Mrs Blessing Joshua, a housewife, lamented about the continued downpour since Sunday evening.

“What kind of rain is this? I went to the market to buy some foodstuff, only for me to come back empty-handed because most of the sellers were not present.

“Even the few available traders increased the cost of things in the market; I hope this is not the seven-day rain which, as some people predicted, would fall in September,’’ she said.

Mr Abdullateef AbdulGafar, a commercial motorcyclist, said: “I would not have gone to pick my customer if he had not paid me for my services earlier.’’

Mrs Rasheedat Rufail, a teacher of Ansar-Ud-Deen High School in the Liberty area of Ibadan, said that the school’s academic activities had been paralysed due to the deluge.

She said that most of the teachers and students failed to come to school on Monday. (NAN)
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/09/torrential-rain-paralyses-activities-in-ibadan/

FREEGLBOBE IS AN ANAMBRA STATE PERSON WHO LOVES SOLUDO. FOR ME SOLUDO IS THE BEST BUT I THINK WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW OUR LOVE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL LEAD US TO RIDICULING WHAT IS OURS.

B2 mario: pls norabenk, bring recent pics. You are doing a nice work.

I agree with you

Prof Corruption: One Billion Naira plant? And they are collaborating?

The governments of the Igbo nation are ready to partner and encourage any entrepreneur whether big, medium or small to establish his/her business concern in south east Nigeria and the Igbo part of delta (via numerous Igbo leaders of delta), on the path of growth and profit with less issues or hurdles. No wonder, Aba has the largest concentration of SME's in Africa while Onitsha has the largest concentration of traders and markets in Africa. The southeast is open to all legal business. If you read the above article meticulously you would notice the numerous support and assistance the Anambra government would give to this firm. Thesame numerous support applies to other south east states.

Anambra, Neimeth to set up N1b drug plant

Posted on Thursday, September 12th, 2013

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue /Onitsha

The Anambra State government will build a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant valued at over N1 billion in collaboration with Neimeth Pharmaceutical Company.

Receiving a delegation of the company on a courtesy call at the Governor’s Lodge on Wednesday, Governor Peter Obi assured that the government would provide the required land for the project before the end of this month.

He also said the government would assist the company to access the licence and other documents needed from the Federal Government.

Obi said when functional, the state government would also promote patronage of its products in line with the policy of encouraging investors to expand and create more employment opportunities.

The governor stressed the need for collective efforts in building a healthy and progressive country that would meet international standards.

He explained that multi-sectoral development strategy of his administration was geared towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, while the mass infrastructural development in the rural areas has opened up the various communities to upgrade their quality of life through improved socio-economic activities.

Commissioner for Health, Lawrence Ikeakor, said the conducive business environment in the state had continued to attract investors and extol the track records of the company.

Managing Director of the company, Emmanuel Ekunno, said they initiated the project to compliment the remarkable achievements of the governor in various sectors.

He explained that the ultra modern factory would meet world health organisation standard and would be completed in about 24 months

He disclosed that the company would also partner with the state government in health care interventions for effective management of sickle cell anemia, fight against hypertension, maternal and clinical health programme, among others.

http://www.dailyindependentnig.com/2013/09/anambra-neimeth-to-set-up-n1b-drug-plant/

Nawa oooo

Interstate Electrics completes payment for Enugu DISCo

on September 06, 2013 / in Business 10:02 pm / Comments

By Clara Nwachukwu

Interstate Electrics (IE), which won the bid for the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, DISCo, is said to have completed the payment of the 75 percent balance for the electricity firm.

A top official at the Bureau of Public Entreprises, BPE, told Vanguard Friday that the consortium paid the sum of $94,505million or about N148.373 million which was credited to the BPE’s account on Thursday, thereby enabling the preparation for the firms’ takeover.

The development followed Interstate taking advantage of the available window for the completion of outstanding balance as spelled out in the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA).

Recall that the Request for Proposal signed by the bidders gave a 20-working day extension after the expiration of the orginal deadline on August 21.

However, the consortium, which is being promoted by multi-billionaire businessman, Sir Emeka Offor, had given the assurance that the payment processes would be completed before the weekend, thus fulfilling its promise.

The consortium incorporated as a vehicle for the purpose of acquiring and operating Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria emerged the preferred bidder for the Enugu DISCO after a rigorous bidding process in the sale of PHCN in 2012, with an Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC & C) loss reduction proposal of 20.83%.

It comprises of Chrome Consortium Energy Nigeria Limited, Powerhouse International Limited, and Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and parades a competent team of electricity infrastructure engineers, owners/operators of electricity power distribution companies, upstream and downstream oil operators and empowerment partners, with a collective global experience of over 80 years.

The consortium’s technical partner, Metropolitan Electricity Authority of Thailand (MEA) with over 50 years experience is responsible for the distribution and sales of electricity to users in Bangkok and metropolitan vicinities, including Nonthaburi and Samutprakarn provinces. MEA’s distribution area covers 3,195 square kilometers divided into 14 districts with a population of about eight million and energy sales of 44,714 GWH of electricity.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/09/interstate-electrics-completes-payment-for-enugu-disco/#sthash.gtqJUor8.dpuf

urchrlex:
Guy dont Open you mouth wide to talk rubbish!!!!! U neva hear of the Army French School with over 300 structures under construction in Isuikwuato Ask before you talk dont be a fool

I would love to know more of this school. Pls shed more light of this school

SOME BARBARIC GUYS SHOULD CONTROL THE EVIL THEY WANT TO SAY TO THEIR SISTER STATE

.

THE IGBO NATION IS GREAT

Aro roots of Ikwerre, Igbo Identity crisis by Chidi Osuagwu

on August 28, 2013 / in Special Report 6:00 pm / Comments

Prof Chidi Osuagwu of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, at this year’s Ezumezu Lecture, a colloquium organized by the Obowu Development Association (Federated), on the 16th of August, in Obowo, discuses identity crisis with its debilitating effects in Africa and Nigeria.

In his paper entitled Obowu Identity Recovery and Rectification in Post-invasion Africa presented before scholars, political leaders, various cultural and professional groups, traditional rulers and government leaders Osuagwu delves into the age long Ikwerre-Igbo identity conflict and the Aro roots of this crisis.

He also explains why Port Harcourt and Anioma States were not created in 1991 by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime despite all expectations, as well as why the leader of the Port Harcourt State creation Committee, Senator Obi Wali, was murdered.

And, for the first time, disruptive effects of the famous Aba Women Riot in the Igbo heart is also brought to light in this paper. Excerpts:

Obowu Identity Recovery and Rectification in Post-invasion Africa

Imperialism is Identity-stripper!

Egypt and the Arab Spring
The invasion of Africa, in the last more than one thousand years; first by Arabs, then Europeans has meant the gradual reduction of Africans to corpses; living dead. The identity-stripped and personality-warped is a living dead. Unless one understands this, he would not understand what is wrong with Africa; wrong with us. If we now have bad governance in Africa, not based on the Oma n’achi (the knowledgeable leads) principle, it is because ‘ozu’ are ruling Africa. The post-invasion (after slavery and colonialism) chief problem of Africa is the crisis of identity. Some short stories will illustrate this point.

Sometime in 2009, I went for a conference in Morocco. They gave participants a cocktail party at which two bands entertained. One band was Arab, the other Amazigh (Berber).

It was clear the Arab band was playing non-African, while Berber band played African music. The Arab band had only men (sharia-compliant!), while the Berber band had males and females, like Africans would. The lead female dancer moved across to where I, the darkest man in the audience of mainly white people, sat and asked me to dance. We danced.

Later I got to understand that the Berbers, 52% of the population, whose culture the Arabs suppress in the name of Islam are intensely nationalistic; pan-Africanist. They would rather identify with black Africa and have an identity than identify with Arabs in the name of Islam and lose their identity. Unless we understand this identity crisis in North Africa, we cannot understand why the so called Arab spring has run into a desert storm.

igbo-people

The Moslem Brotherhood in Egypt, for instance, are salafists; like Boko Haram in Nigeria, who are Arab cultural purists; identity-strippers! They ran into trouble because they are trying to strip others, like Coptic Christians, of their identity. The Egyptian Army intervened to avert a civil war, like President Anwar Sadat did in 1982 and got shot for it.

Aro roots of Ikwere identity crises

In 1991, Babangida regime created new states without creating Igweocha or Port-Harcourt as requested by Igbo people of Rivers State, led by Senators Obi Wali and Francis Ellah. A short while later, I accompanied Mazi Philip Nkwocha, a friend of Obi Wali’s, to visit him at his home in Umuigbo. As Senator Wali saw us enter his house, he shouted at his friend “Phil, what happened?” His friend retorted, in surprise, “Obi about what?” “How come you people asked for Igbo States without including Port-Harcourt?” Wali further asked his perplexed friend. At this point I had to speak up to minimize the confusion. I knew something they both didn’t know.

In 1991 Emeka Omeruah, from Imo State (later Abia), was Military Governor of Enugu State, while Anthony Ogugua, from Anambra (later Enugu) was in Imo State. As the agitation for states heated, these two Governors, quietly, set up a committee to harmonious Igbo demand for States. I was a committee member.

Four states were identified; Abia, Anioma, Enugu and Port-Harcourt. Outreach groups were constituted to reach out to the Igbo in the different states. But events were moving so rapidly that the group decided to go with only demands that would not elicit identity confusion. Port-Harcourt was dropped, for this reason, for the Igbo there to do the best they could under the circumstance.

Hearing this Senator Wali sat still for a long while, then said “Phil, our gamble about identity has failed! You will buy me three traditional Igbo dresses.

I will attend this year’s Ahiajoku Lecture, and seek to deliver that of next year”. He never made it! He was assassinated a short while later, his friends believed, for his continued Port-Harcourt State creation agitation. When I read later that Dr Wali’s son, Ihunwo, was one of the leaders of the Congress for the Liberation of Ikwerre People, COLIP; an ‘Ikwerre-back-to-Igbo-fold’ youth movement, whose mission is to wean Ikwerre off Biafra-war propaganda, I knew where he was coming from.

Identify-confusion is a horrible disease. Barack Obama’s greatest political strength is his very early decision to be African-American and nothing else. He knew where his father came from; and where his mother came from. Those who pretend in America that they are, socially, half-white and half-black, for example, end up as friends of psychiatrists.

“Our gamble about identity has failed!” That statement, by a man who, a short while later, was murdered; for his just state-creation aspiration, still haunts one to this day. And no one can understand the current crisis in Rivers State without understanding the identity crises there. For instance what it means to be Ijaw, but not Izon or ‘core-Ijaw’. And, to be Igbo-speaking, but not Igbo? Or, in fact, all of the above. Not to talk of Ogoni ‘war-of-all-against-all’.

igbo1

When I observed to Senator Wali that his person epitomized the Ikwerre identity dilemma; his very village is Umuigbo (Igbo-children/Igbo descendants/Igbo people), but he too claimed not to be Igbo, his response pointed to the great depth of our identity crises. He told us that his problem was not Igbo identity, as such, but Aro-Ikwerre domination. He informed us that he used to attend the Council meeting of the Village deity priesthood with his father. Even as a child, who carried his father’s stool, it struck him that of the seven stools of the Council, the small Aro population in Umuigbo controlled four. That information struck me.

Famous writer, Elechi Amadi, had given me a variant of this Aro-Ikwerre problematic tale in 1985. We had served together on an interview panel at the then Rivers State College of Education, Port-Harcourt. He told me he had no problem with Igbo identity, but had problem when the Aro-Ikwerre, during the Nigeria-Biafra War, plotted to kill him. Now, it seems the Ikwerre suffer from a significantly misdirected anger.

They are, in this case; holding their Isuama-Igbo (Ikwerre, traditionally, distinguished between ‘Ikwerre and Isuama’; not ‘Ikwerre and Igbo’) kinsmen, who are ethically more related to them than to the Aro, accountable for Aro domination.The Early British, before oil became a factor of ethnic classification in the Lower Niger, had a cultural sub-group of the Igbo they called Orratta-Ikwerre (that is Owerri-Ikwerre, in current usage), who, both call the heartland Igbo as Isuama. Ekwensu wu amaghi ihe! The Devil is Ignorance! The solution to our identity crises, then, is ‘Know self, know other!’

Now to consider the Aro a purely Igbo people; and hold Igbo responsible for Aro mischief is the height of identity confusion. One day, the Cross-river Ejegham, who own the Ibini-Ukpabi soul of the Aro system, the Ibibio who control the social organizational Ekpe and the Akpa that supplied some fighters will turn around and blame the Igbo, from among whom a few medicine men were coopted, for inventing Ibini-Ukpabi and Aro slavery. That would be a most uncharitable treatment of truth, but the world is a clever place.

That the Aro and Arochukwu have been in the process of Igbonisation, as Dike and Ekejiuba called it, because of the sheer weight of Igbo population and Culture in the neighbourhood, does not alter their fundamental archeology and history as a synthetic people who exist beyond Igboland. Aro exist, physically and culturally, at the very Igbo border (that is why they are called Aro-okeigbo; Igbo-boundary-Aro).

An informed internet site gives the following information on the Aro Confederacy: Created: 1690; Capital: Arochukwu; Official languages: Igbo, Ibibio, Ijaw …etc; …; Dissolved: 1902 (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Aro_Confederacy). Where, then is the pure ‘Igbo Aro’? Aro sins cannot be visited on the Igbo or Ibibio, who were the chief victims; leaving off the coastal Ijaw and Efiks; who were the ultimate slave-traders, in direct contact with European slavers.

Closer home, and happier; Okenze BG Okonkwo, Obowu Development Association President-General, visited the Abuja branch recently. He was surprised to have some attendant introduce himself as Obowu man from Amachara, Umuopara, in Abia State.

Luckily my brother, High-chief BC Osuagwu, whose wife is, logically, High-lolo was present to explain. A branch of our Umuabazu-Umunachi people migrated to Amachara. They, of course, retain the name Umuabazu as the branch of our Umuikwe kindred retains the name Umuikwe at Ogbodi, Umuopara.

As Opara Asonye (father of Dr. Michael I Okpara) said in an interview, in 1977 “Umuhu and Okaiuga are Ohuhu. My grandfather Onyemobi said we came from Obowu. We all came from Obowu because the names of the villages on both sides are the same.” Former Provost of AICE, Owerri, from Umunwanwa Umuopara, Prof SN Nwosu, had also asserted in a television Interview some years ago, that Umuopara people migrated from Obowu, which explains the presence of my people at Amachara and Ogbodi. Also, my mother’s Ehume Obowu people migrated to form Ehume Umuopara. When the last Eho (totem tree of Eho-ume; Ehume) died, in the early 1950s, I saw them come for the funeral, in long lines, with their celebration guns firing in Uwuwuru-egbe.

If we recall; when the British colonial soldiers thought they had defeated Obowu, in 1911, our Mbaloha (Ohuhu and Umuopara) kinsmen started shelling them from across the Imo River to their discomfiture, forcing Britain to negotiate with Obowu. Would their ill-informed descendants come to Obowu’s support today, in similar circumstane? Can we now appreciate the cost of loss of identity-consciousness between us and our Ohuhu/Umuopara kinsmen?

It was not of-course a one way flow of solidarity. Support flowed from Obowu to our Mbaloha kinsmen, too. As Isichei’s Igbo Worlds informs “When we were children, Abam people came to Aguebi-Umuagu … two villages appeared at once with their guns, attacked and finished Abam people. Abam people never escaped each time they strayed into Ohuhu because we are Abam in our own way.

In those days, before our people went to war they were prepared by medicinemen … Some of the medicine men came from Mgbowo or Obowo and Ugwueke. The most famous came from Obowo … captains were chosen by the medicine men through a test.” Solidarity of Obowu kinsmen kept Ohuhu free from slave raiders. And later solidarity of Ohuhu helped sustain Obowu dignity in encounter with British colonialism. Identity is everything! No identity, no dignified existence!!

With independence from Britain struggle, Obowu recovered her old socio-political rhythm; producing from her roots some of the best leaders; heroes and heroines Eastern Nigeria has had in modern times.

Obowu, and her Etiti confederates, in recovery, have also earned the admiration of others such that former Biafran leader, General Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu could say, in 2002, “They tell me the best things in Igboland come from Etiti (the collective name for Obowo and Uboma now divided into two local govts); I, also, am from Etiti”. This paper is part of a movement for Obowu identity recovery and rectification, which hopes to set the pace for other peoples of Igboland and Africa. We should expand the discourse in an organic fashion. We should talk next with our Uboma (including Nsu) confederates, then our Ohuhu and Umuopara (Mbaloha) kinsmen, followed by Ezumoha-Isuama, all-Igbo and, then, all Africa (including African Diaspora).NDU M IKENGA NDU M IHITTE


By Chidi G Osuagwu, PhD Department of Biomedical Technology Federal University of Technology, Owerri

(2013 Ezumezu-Wiyi Lecture, Otoko Obowu, 16 August 2013)
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/aro-roots-of-ikwerreigbo-identity-crisis-by-chidi-osuagwu/#sthash.x362yAWc.dpuf

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/aro-roots-of-ikwerreigbo-identity-crisis-by-chidi-osuagwu/

Lagosbabe1:

That is the problem with you people. You are very reactionary, defensive and paranoid; every constructive criticism or friendly advise is met with recriminations and abuse.

I merely said that it is too early to start calling that project a successful but advisable to take a long term measured approach but as usual you guys would want none of it- your mindset is every business must deliver instant results

Bad Belle? Seriously? I am from Lagos Bruv, it will take Enugu 50 years to be as developed as Lagos if Lagos remains the same as it is today.

It will take just a very few years before the Igbo economy and Igboland {inclusive of the Igbo parts of delta} overtakes the not just the economy of Lagos but the African economy.

Nawa ooo

THE QUESTION SHOULD BE WHO IS THE BEST GOVERNOR IN SOUTH WEST. THOSE WHO ARE NOT GULLIBLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE AIM OF THIS NONSENSE THREAD AND KEEP OFF. AM OUT OF THIS IDI.OTIC THREAD!!!!

NDI IGBO ARE BLESSED

NDI IGBO ARE BLESSED

berem: please don't break your neck while shaking your head.

Don't worry your pretty little head

berem: Really? eyaaaa!

Berem why nau? why are you abusing those oppose to you? abi you dey craze?

"slaps herself "

SMH

Enugu Airport: Businessmen, tourists laud Jonathan
Our Reporter August 27, 2013 1 Comment »
Enugu Airport: Businessmen, tourists laud Jonathan

…As first flight lands in Addis Ababa from Enugu

From LOUIS IBA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airline, flight ET 930 which took off from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport,Enugu at 2.34pm (Nigerian time) on its inaugural flight landed the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa (about 9. 20pm Ethiopian time) with passengers on board applauding President Goodluck Jonathan for opening up the Enugu airport for international flight operations.

“For us in the South East zone of Nigeria, this is a dream come true,” said Temple Udeh, President, Enugu State Traders Association.

“For years we have suffered the inconvenience, the hardship, and borne additional cost of travelling to Lagos and Abuja to board international flights for our businesses outside Nigeria. But with this flight taking off from Enugu that long journey and added cost has ended. We commend President Jonathan for giving this to us,” added Udeh.

He said he imports goods from China, Japan, and Dubai, but finds it easier connecting flights at Addis Ababa to these business destinations. Udeh was among the 158 passengers who made history on the inaugural flight. As the passengers boarded the flight and took their seats, they wore a smile and radiated an air of fulfilment. Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ikweremadu were two of the top government dignitaries that were on board the flight.

Shortly before the flight took off, Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, entered the flight to have a chat and take pictures with passengers.

Okonjo Iweala, told Daily Sun that getting an international flight out of Enugu “was a great achievement and had lots of economic benefits to people in the South East.”

“I am happy and that is why I had to come inside the air craft to see it happening. Now businesses will be done more easily between these people and the outside world,” she added.

Obi, and Okonjo Iweala confirmed that the government had indeed responded to the yearnings of the people by granting the request for an international airport that would linked the South East to the rest of the world.

One passenger, who simply identified himself as Francis, in company of three children and his wife on board the flight said the commencement of international flight operations from Enugu Airport would boost leisure and tourism.

“I am taking my family to Dubai for a holiday,” Francis said. “Now you can imagine how much I have saved by not flying to Lagos first and possibly spending a night in an hotel before getting a flight to Dubai. That extra cost has all ended with the opening of Enugu to international operation. For me, traveling for leisure or holiday has been made easy,” he added.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/business/enugu-airport-businessmen-tourists-laud-jonathan/

berem: You rather came in late when the heat was on . Certainly, am done with the thread.You can go on with your frustration and anger. Am outta here. see ya!

Contrary to what you wrote i have NO FRUSTRATION OR ANGER, you are the person on rampage abusing anyone who have a different opinion from you. My dear i think you are depressed and stressed, so go and rest

berem: Your opinion doesn't count! you have no right to speak for ndi igbo and tell them which party to vote for. So, just carry your rants and chest beating go siddon for one corner.

If your rude and arrogant attitude here is what we should expect from your APC brothers, then you would surely be disappointed by the election results.

APC WOULD NOT WIN ANY STATE ELECTION IN IGBOLAND, THE WOULD ONLY WIN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN IGBOLAND IF THEY PRESENT AN IGBO MAN AS THEIR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. I DONT WANT PDP OR APC TO WIN ANY ELECTION IN IGBOLAND.

@BEREM, I want to urge you to mind what you write as Ndi Igbo have existed long before Nigeria and all its political parties

ONE MINUTE COUNT DOWN. 59, 58, 57,56,55,54,53 .................... WOW I THANK GOD FOR THIS HISTORIC EVENT IN IGBOLAND

HappyJoe:

Things don't happen that quickly in Nigeria. Remember it took a solid two years to expand the airport runway. So ILS won't be installed for at least the next two years.

PLEASE SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!!!!!! DONT SPOIL OUR JOY WITH YOUR UNNECESSARY PESSIMISM. THE INSTALLATION OF NIGHT LIGHTING AND THE AIRPORT RUNWAY EXPANSION HAVE GOTTEN TO A VERY ADVANCED STAGE. KEEP YOUR DISRUPTIVE TANTRUMS TO YOURSELF

What we expect as Enugu airport goes international tomorrow – Nigeriana
Our Reporter August 23, 2013 5 Comments »
What we expect as Enugu airport goes international tomorrow – Nigerians

From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

All is set for the official take-off of international flight at the newly upgraded Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, tomorrow, as Ethiopian Airline commences international commercial flights.

Towards this, the arrival and departure halls are ready, just as the screening checkpoint for the international wing of the airport.

All security agencies, such as customs, immigrations, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as well as the State Security Service (SSS) are all on ground for the formal take off of international flight operations at the airport.

Meanwhile, a cross-section of Nigerians, who spoke to our reporter in Enugu, has expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for ensuring that the dream of the people of the South-east to have an international airport came to reality. Some also feels the president needs to do more for the people.

Obinna, who works in the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, said the take-off of international operations means a lot to our economy of the zone. “It means that our economy will boom. It will also save us the time and resources expended in going to Lagos and Abuja before one could travel abroad. I think it’s fantastic. I feel happy and I must say it is a welcome development.”

For Chief Dilim Okafor, chairman, Tracy Hotels Ltd, Awka, Anambra State, a frequent user of the Akanu Ibiam Airport, the commencement of international operations at the airport means a lot. “For the first time, we have access to the outside world. But we still expect bigger airlines. I understand it’s an Ethiopian airlines coming on Saturday. We expect airlines, like Emirates and others, because I am a regular traveler. I travel to Dubai, India, China, all through Emirates; not only me but also most of the Igbo traders; so the Federal Government should negotiate with Emirates, so they can come to Enugu too. It’s a big relief and that’s why everybody is hailing Mr. President for this effort, because there was a deliberate attempt to lock us up, but he decided to liberate us and we are happy.”

Beyond the airport, however, Chief Okafor said the South East also needs better roads. This, according to him, is “because if cargo flights land here, the goods have to be transported to Onitsha, Aba or anywhere. Through which road would this be? So road is another thing that must accompany this laudable effort of President Jonathan to Igbo.”

Evangelist Elliot Uko, President, Igbo Youth Movement, also commended President Jonathan for the airport. “We are excited about that, but we plead for the acceleration of work on other promises, like, functional seaport at Onitsha and Oguta. The keyword here is “functional.” Enugu will experience a new economic life with the international wing taking off. We are grateful to President Jonathan for fulfilling this one. We plead that he and his team accelerates on the other promises. We are grateful for that. We appreciate the positive impact the international airport will have on the economy of the South East. It is important to note that when we plead that campaign promises be fulfilled we are not by any means suggesting that the FG should address South East issues at the expense of other zones.”

An elder statesman, Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN,) has a different view. He said: “As far as I am concerned, this airport is not up to standard. I led a delegation to Obasanjo about this airport 10 years ago, and this is not what we asked for. I am disappointed.”

Asked if he was encouraged that at least something has been done, Chief Onyia said: “I am not interested on something being done. I will be interested that a good thing has been done. Once a good thing has been done, then I am interested. But if you deceive people telling them you are building airport and it is not what is expected, what do you want me to do? I am urging government to do its duty; that’s all. They have a duty; don’t beg them. They think these are amenities you beg for; that if they bring it to Enugu it is for Enugu people, it’s not true.

“The president of Nigeria is the president for the whole Nigeria; every Nigerian must be properly cared for. But Nigerians will always jubilate when such things are done. Thank God he has remembered us, they will say. The truth is that he should be remembering you every day. That is the authority you gave him. I believe in functional politics and functional administration.

“First of all, any political party that wants to govern a country must have a policy, a programme and they have to implement their programme. What is the programme? How are they implementing it? The truth is that we are deceiving ourselves, but history will record everything. We need to pursue a just cause; make sure that amenities are available for the citizenry.”

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/business/what-we-expect-as-enugu-airport-goes-international-tomorrow-igbos/

More Int'l Airlines Fly to Enugu as Ethiopian Airline Ticket goes on Sale in Nigeria Banks

Print
Email

Category: REPORTS
Sunday, 11 August 2013
By elombah.com

Residents of Nigeria's South East states of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and other South-South ans north central states, are said to be ecstatic over a Radio announcement that Ethiopian airline tickets to the newly commissioned Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu are now on sale at Zenith bank and many other banks. The announcement themed, 'Ethiopian airline "THE

NEW SPIRIT OF AFRICA" is opening SE/SS Nigeria to the world...Maiden flight is on 24th August, 2013' says the new international status of the airport "is here for real'!

Other International airlines apart from Ethiopean Airlines have also announced flights to the airport. They include, Arik Air, and the Egyptian airlines.

Those who spoke to elombah.com expressed immense happiness at the development. Paul Okechukwu Oranika said, "I am very excited for these developments, finally it is happening. The road is now open. This Enugu route would be very hot as many more airlines are getting on board. If you are booking for Enugu and we all should!! Please use ENU which is the international airport code for Enugu. Don’t forget to ship freight and cargo straight to Enugu as well. "

Chekwas Okoronkwo said: "This is wonderful! I can‘t wait to connect my village via Enugu. It is possible now to avoid Lagos"

ethiopian airline

Meanwhile reports reaching elombah.com indicates more airlines are joining the rush to connect with Igboland. Ethiopian Airlines has opened the way with their Enugu route, operating 4 flights weekly (Tue, Sunday, Thur and Friday) from Dulles (Washington Dc) with a stop over in Adis Ababa. Arik Air has direct flights to Enugu from New York with a stopover in Lagos. Egyptian Air has flight 9462 from Cairo to Enugu with connection in Adis Ababa.

In Germany, there is direct flight from Frankfurt am Main to ENUGU with Ethiopian Airlines with a stopover at Adis Ababa. From other Airports in Europe; there is also LONDON HEATHROW - ENUGU, ROMA FIUMICINO (FCO) - ENUGU, MILAN MALPENSA (MXP) - ENUGU.

Passengers can now book flights to Enugwu via this website http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/booking/ There is a flight for from London to Enugwu. E.g. for Christmas 2013, the flight costs about £773, while flights from Washington to Enugwu costs about $2,840.

The outbound flight from London-Heathrow to Enugwu is about 16 hours. The Washington flight to Enugwu is about 26 hours while the return leg is an impressive 21 hours. Both London and USA flight leaves Enugwu the same time 13:30 (same plane) to Addis Ababa."

The length of time has been attributed to the waiting at the stop-over in Addis-Ababa airport. Nevertheless, those flying to the South East/South South States told elombah.com it is no problem since they would still waste longer amount of time in connecting to Enugu or other states by air or by luxurious buses if they lands in Lagos or Abuja anyway.

Others are more upbeat: "What about Japan to Enugu?", asked Ubochi Solo. "I can pay any amount."

While Chi Chi said: "Bypassing Lagos and Abuja will be a dream come true when there are more direct flights to Enugu Airport."

http://elombah.com/index.php/reports/17092-more-int-l-airlines-fly-to-enugu-as-ethiopian-airline-ticket-goes-on-sale-in-nigeria-banks

More Int'l Airlines Fly to Enugu as Ethiopian Airline Ticket goes on Sale in Nigeria Banks

Print
Email

Category: REPORTS
Sunday, 11 August 2013
By elombah.com

Residents of Nigeria's South East states of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and other South-South states, are said to be ecstatic over a Radio announcement that Ethiopian airline tickets to the newly commissioned Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu are now on sale at Zenith bank and many other banks. The announcement themed, 'Ethiopian airline "THE

NEW SPIRIT OF AFRICA" is opening SE/SS Nigeria to the world...Maiden flight is on 24th August, 2013' says the new international status of the airport "is here for real'!

Other International airlines apart from Ethiopean Airlines have also announced flights to the airport. They include, Arik Air, and the Egyptian airlines.

Those who spoke to elombah.com expressed immense happiness at the development. Paul Okechukwu Oranika said, "I am very excited for these developments, finally it is happening. The road is now open. This Enugu route would be very hot as many more airlines are getting on board. If you are booking for Enugu and we all should!! Please use ENU which is the international airport code for Enugu. Don’t forget to ship freight and cargo straight to Enugu as well. "

Chekwas Okoronkwo said: "This is wonderful! I can‘t wait to connect my village via Enugu. It is possible now to avoid Lagos"

ethiopian airline

Meanwhile reports reaching elombah.com indicates more airlines are joining the rush to connect with Igboland. Ethiopian Airlines has opened the way with their Enugu route, operating 4 flights weekly (Tue, Sunday, Thur and Friday) from Dulles (Washington Dc) with a stop over in Adis Ababa. Arik Air has direct flights to Enugu from New York with a stopover in Lagos. Egyptian Air has flight 9462 from Cairo to Enugu with connection in Adis Ababa.

In Germany, there is direct flight from Frankfurt am Main to ENUGU with Ethiopian Airlines with a stopover at Adis Ababa. From other Airports in Europe; there is also LONDON HEATHROW - ENUGU, ROMA FIUMICINO (FCO) - ENUGU, MILAN MALPENSA (MXP) - ENUGU.

Passengers can now book flights to Enugwu via this website http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/booking/ There is a flight for from London to Enugwu. E.g. for Christmas 2013, the flight costs about £773, while flights from Washington to Enugwu costs about $2,840.

However, Tochukwu Ezeoke laments the amount of time the flights will take. "The only issue I can see here to is the flight duration. The outbound flight from London-Heathrow to Enugwu is about 16 hours and the return leg is almost 27 hours. The Washington flight to Enugwu is about 26 hours while the return leg is an impressive 21 hours. Both London and USA flight leaves Enugwu the same time 13:30 (same plane) to Addis Ababa."

The length of time has been attributed to the waiting at the stop-over in Addis-Ababa airport. Nevertheless, those flying to the South East/South South States told elombah.com it is no problem since they would still waste the same amount of time in connecting to Enugu or other states by air or by luxurious buses if they lands in Lagos or Abuja anyway.

Others are more upbeat: "What about Japan to Enugu?", asked Ubochi Solo. "I can pay any amount."

While Chi Chi said: "Bypassing Lagos and Abuja will be a dream come true when there are more direct flights to Enugu Airport."

www.elombah.com

http://elombah.com/index.php/reports/17092-more-int-l-airlines-fly-to-enugu-as-ethiopian-airline-ticket-goes-on-sale-in-nigeria-banks