By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State Government has procured three new aircraft which will arrive in the state before the end of January, 2026.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this in a statewide new year broadcast to the people of the State.

The Governor explained that the initiative was a calculated attempt to open the state to greater economic activity.

"Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move in and out of the State, and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond.

"Ebonyi Air will support business growth, encourage tourism, and reduce the time and cost of travel. It will also strengthen Ebonyi’s position as a State that is ready to engage with the wider economy and attract new opportunities.

"By improving connectivity, we are creating conditions that support trade, investment, and job creation, while making our State more accessible and competitive."

The Governor also announced plans to commence the establishment of a modern cement factory.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.

The project, he said, will take advantage of the abundant limestone deposits, which are among the natural resources with great economic potential.

"For many years, raw materials from different parts of Nigeria have been transported elsewhere for processing. Our goal is to add value here at home. By processing our limestone within Ebonyi State, we keep jobs, skills, and income within our communities."

The Governor said in the past years, his administration had made huge investment in critical areas such as education, health care delivery, infrastructure and human Capital development

"Beyond classrooms and hospitals, development must be visible in the physical environment where people live and work. We constructed and rehabilitated roads in all local government areas, renewed Abakaliki metropolis, improved rural connectivity, and delivered bridges and flagship infrastructure projects.

"Infrastructure creates access, but access must lead to opportunity" in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Ebonyi State Chief Executive granted pardon to Eze Nwiboko Obodo Onyike (posthumous), Edigbo Agu (posthumous), Akponwe Ogalegu (posthumous), Ugadu Ofim (posthumous), Nwangbo Idoko (posthumous), Ifeanyi Nwamini, Hyacinth Nwigwe, and Eze Ekene.

"For the individuals who are no longer alive, this pardon is posthumous. It is granted to clear their names, restore dignity to their memory, and bring peace to their families and communities.

"For those who are living, this pardon is extended with the expectation of renewed responsibility. Mercy does not excuse wrongdoing, but it opens the door to reform, reintegration, and a better path forward"

He commended the people of the state, leaders and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their encouragement and support.

The Governor renewed his commitment to embarking on policies and projects that will have direct bearing on the lives of the people.