By, Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

Ebonyi State commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, has said that the state government led by Francis Nwifuru is engaging necessary authorities and regulatory agencies that will give Chuba Okadigbo airport permission to start flying.

Obichukwu made this known while speaking with newsmen shortly after the independence anniversary celebration of Nigeria at 64 and creation of Ebonyi State at 28, that took place at the governor’s office, centenary city Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

She noted that the creation of Ebonyi State by the former head of state, late Sani Abachi brought greater development and progress to the people of the state.

“The birth of Ebonyi State has brought so many good dividends in the State. Ebonyi has been in Goodluck having good governors that their administrations have played for 28 years and I appreciate God for that. We are celebrating Economic development, social development, regional development, general administration and we are thankful to God and we appreciate Gov. Nwifuru.

“We are already engaging necessary authorities, regulations, and regulations that give us the permission.  So right now, we have passed almost all their tests. We were waiting for the friction test and all the other tests that were needed and now by the Grace of God, we are getting through.

“I plead with Ebonyi people. Aviation is like a hospital, we are talking about safety of lives, it is not ordinary to buy and sell in the market so everything that needs to be done should be done in accurate regulations.

On the commencement of flight operation by the Chuba Okadigbo airport, Obichukwu said “it is the NCAA and FAN that will give an accurate date”.

Speaking on the amount spent by governor Francis Nwifuru on the rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo’s airport, the commissioner said that it is not quantifiable and that there are other renovations going on at the airport. 

“The runway cost N17 billion  and we are happy that even the NCCA that came, applauded our Governor Nwifuru for a good job well done, after they measured the road , shoulder, everything around the runway was accurate and we are happy. 

“So the funds spent are determined by the federal ministry of aviation quantity surveyors working on it. There are so many things that need to be done and we are hoping to get through it. On how to generate IGR, the commissioner said ” I am very sure of IGR. The airport is the catalyst to the economic development of any State. 

“In the country we have 22 airport which 5 among them are international airports and Ebonyi is going to be one immediately we receive the license to start flying and looking at the strategy position of the airport, our catchment areas are not in doubt talk of ikom, Benue, kogi and Abia this are the areas we are hoping and is not only the human traffic we are talking of cargo airport in other to address the market flow of Ebonyi State. 

“We are going to be linking with other countries and I have started receiving applications from Dubai so that they could be coming here to buy our produce and go back to their country. So the economic revival and boost cannot be emphasized once we commence flight operation” she stated. 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer with specialty in Quality Management and Continuous improvement, Evi Viza, has called for enforcement of draconian measures and  stiffer  penalties against  engineering companies who deviate from  standard rules that lead  to building collapse and system failure.

Viza made the call  during the 2024 International Conference, Exhibition  and Annual General (AGM ) which concluded yesterday in Càlabar.

The lead presenter who doubles as member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology  (IET) and fellow of Royal Society of Arts stated that  stiffer penalties will  discourage engineers  and  companies with  intention to engage in Sub-standard jobs to avoid system failure.

Viza who is also a Program Leader, Quality Management University of Scotland and mentor to APWEN,  identified causes of system  failure and building collapse to include absence of  proper risk management, health and safety skills among others.

“There are regulations with no penalties. For example if a building collapsed and you find out why it collapsed,  and the person or company is pernalized, no contractor or engineer will evade regulation.

“Having the right skills, right suppliers, and making sure that  those responsible for enforcement of the law  perform their job without fear or favour will make those awarded contracts  sit up.

The lead speaker averred that many of her Nigerian students had investigated  cases of failed projects that ought to attract sanctions to erring contractors unfortunately nothing was done to the erring contractors.

Also speaking, chairperson Women Engineers Committee, Nairobi Kenya, Jannifer Gache, urged  women engineers to seek leadership positions in government to  use the opportunity to contribute to the  development and growth of the sector.

…Creates Ministry of Energy and mineral resources

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu 

The Enugu State Government is taking steps to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of the efforts to preserve the environment and also make transportation affordable for citizens.

The state government has equally created the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to oversight and catalyse investment in the energy and mineral sector.

These were made known by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, after a meeting of the State Executive Council at the weekend.

Briefing Government House correspondents after the meeting, Onyia said, “Recall that earlier in this administration, the governor signed the Enugu State Electricity Law and that Law requires that an independent regulator will be set up, but there will also will be a supervising ministry that will handle all our engagements in the energy space and also in our mineral resource space.

“Considering the level of mineral resources availability in Enugu State, the government had decided, at the end of EXCO today, to now create this Ministry and the mandate includes oversight of most of our investment opportunities within the solid mineral space and also to help catalyse investments in the energy space. EXCO resolved that this new Ministry would take effect immediately.” 

On his part, Ozor said the state was not only introducing CNG buses, but also building the supporting infrastructure to ensure ease of operation and safety of commuters, noting that the government is also doing its part to not only invest more in buying CNG buses, but also to support private sector investment in the transportation space.

“The Executive Council resolved that it is very important for the state and her citizens to begin the process of transitioning from petrol to CNG which saves about half of the cost of fuel in our transportation, thereby reducing the cost of transportation for our people.

“All these are geared towards bringing a safe and affordable and sustainable transportation system. This ties into the infrastructure that is underway – the bus terminals, improved bus shelters, the internet of things and gadgets in these buses that will allow us to be able to know where our citizens are and make sure that they are safe from any incident.

“The state is also creating an enabling environment to attract the right investors within the CNG space and the state has already done that with partnership with Greenville Energy,” he stated.

He explained that the government was already constructing a massive CNG mother station at Ugwu Onyeama, which would have the capacity to serve the entire South East, adding that the construction of the ancillary daughter stations that would look like filling stations would commence in a matter of weeks.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The 16th president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Adebisi Osim FNSE, has said that it is the responsibility of Engineers not only to identify innovative solutions but also to shape the future of energy systems in the country 

In her remarks during the 2024 International Conference exhibition and annual general meeting of APWEN which took place at the Calabar International Conference Center (CICC) in Calabar, yesterday, with the theme; “Engineering Innovation and Energy Security for Sustainable Future”.

According to Osim, “we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our Nation’s history, where energy security is essential for driving sustainable economic growth and development”, noting that several people are faced with the energy crisis, and this cuts across different aspects of life.

She maintained that frequent power outages, high energy cost and lack of access to reliable electricity in many parts of the country have hindered progress, stating that it is time for Engineers to come together and address the issue with all seriousness.

Osim averred that the development of smart grids and energy – efficient technologies will ensure that they use their resources responsibly while reducing the carbon footprint, while viewing the need for policies that would encourage public – private partnerships to invest in clean and sustainable energy projects.

Earlier in her speech, chairman of the occasion and first female president, Nigeria society of engineers, Engineer Margaret Aina- Ogunlana represented by vice president, Corporate services, engineer Felicia Agubata urged participants to share ideas that can lead to a turn around in the industry 

….. laud Jos Disco for exceptional service 

From, Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The paramount ruler of Gboko, Benue state, His Royal Highness, Ikpa Ahua among other stakeholders of the area have lamented over the cases of energy theft and vandalism in the state.

Similarly, electricity customers in Benue State has commended Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for delivering consistent, stable, and reliable services in the region. 

They gave the commendation during a radio interactive program on Brothers FM, heralding the launch of a customer consultative forum in Gboko, the traditional capital of the Tiv nation.

In a remark, the monarch, Ikpa Ahua, representing the paramount ruler of Gboko, who led the commendation, said that the company’s significant improvement in electricity supply over the past few months has impacted positively on the local businesses. 

Ahua also appreciated the company’s metering policy, which has increased access to prepaid meters for customers. 

However, he lamented the frequent cases of vandalism of electricity installations and pledged to intensify efforts to safeguard these facilities.

Other dignitaries, including Prince Makir Zakpe, Kindred head of Gboko South, Zaki Amachi Terkimbi, and Zaki Linus, also commended the company’s efficient service.

In his opening remarks, Pastor Emma Ameh who represented the Managing Director, Abdu Bello Mohammed, urged customers to settle their energy bills promptly, given the improvements in service delivery. 

He emphasized the need for customers to fulfil their obligations to enable the company to continue meeting its energy delivery mandate.

Presentations by Lucky Akpobi, Head of Customer Complaints and Relationship Management, and Comrade Ojochide Matthew Agbata, Regional Manager of Makurdi, highlighted the benefits of prepaid meters in resolving billing disputes.

Also speaking, Friday Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications, emphasized the importance of vigilance in combating energy theft and vandalism, urging customers to report suspicious activities to the company or law enforcement agencies.