The Ebonyi State Government has announced its readiness to host the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday. During her visit, she will commission the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area.

Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, upon taking office a year ago, initiated the rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport runway to meet international standards. Reports indicate that the governor allocated over N17.8 billion to upgrade the runway, which is the longest in the South-East region.

Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, stated after a routine surveillance visit to the airport with DSS and other security operatives, that the state is fully prepared for the commissioning. She explained that the commissioning by Senator Oluremi Tinubu would signal the resumption of full flight operations at the airport.

Obichukwu highlighted that the newly asphalted runway is the longest in the South-East, encouraging travelers to use the facility, especially during the upcoming holiday season. She added, “Chuba Okadigbo Airport has fully resumed flight operations, and we invite the public and travelers to take advantage of the best and longest runway in the region.”

She also praised Governor Nwifuru’s significant efforts in ensuring the runway was completed and met international standards.

The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has arrived at the military wing of Lagos Airport.

The arrival is part of the preparations to transport the remains to Abuja for further arrangements.

As the remains touched down, senior military officers stood in formation to honour the late Army Chief.

A full military parade, organized in his honour, is currently taking place. The parade features 48 soldiers and officers.

Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday, November 5, after battling an illness in Lagos.

Prior to his death, President Bola Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the new acting Chief of Army Staff.

Wike addressed his position during a live media briefing on Wednesday, November 13, emphasizing that security concerns were the primary reason behind the recent crackdown.

“Abuja is not meant to be a beggar’s city,” the former Rivers State governor stated, responding to public criticism regarding the sweep.

While critics argue that the move is unnecessary, particularly given Nigeria’s economic struggles and the prevalence of begging as a result of limited opportunities, Wike dismissed poverty as a valid excuse. He pointed out the security risks associated with an unchecked presence of beggars on the streets.

“There is no place in the world where employment has been provided for everyone,” he said.

He also highlighted potential security threats, including the possibility that some beggars may be acting as informants for terrorists.

“We are talking about security threats, and they are using poverty as an excuse. We should not allow poverty to justify security threats,” he remarked.

Wike further stressed the danger of individuals who might be pretending to be beggars while secretly gathering information for criminal activities. “You could see someone sitting outside your house, acting like a beggar, but actually functioning as an informant,” he warned.

He reiterated that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to improve security in Abuja and prevent criminal elements from exploiting vulnerable situations.

The Minister’s statements underline his commitment to tackling security challenges, even as the debate over poverty and security in Nigeria continues to evolve.