It was a busy day for government officials in Enugu State yesterday, at the official commissioning of Enugu Air. But as hectic as the day was for the vibrant Chairman of Udenu Local Government Council, Aka Eze Aka, he was gracious enough to grant us an exclusive interview, immediately he came down from the stage as the Master of Ceremony who anchored the colourful event at Akanu Ibiam International airport, venue of the ceremony.
In this exclusive interview, he speaks passionately about the economic and developmental transformation the new airline brings to the people of Enugu State, from the grassroots to the global stage.
Excerpts
The Concourse:
Yesterday, July 8, 2025, marked a historic moment for Enugu State with the official commissioning of Enugu Air. You were not only present but played a key role as the Master of Ceremony. How would you describe the experience?
Aka Eze Aka:
It was a moment of pride, not just for me personally, but for every son and daughter of Enugu State. To stand on the tarmac of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and witness Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah unveil Enugu Air was witnessing history itself. It was electrifying. As MC, I had the honour of guiding such a significant event, and I’ll say this without mincing words: this is the dawn of a new era in our State’s development trajectory.
Gov. Mbah arriving at the venue of the commissioning
The Concourse:
Some people have described the project as ambitious but elitist. What do you say to those who feel Enugu Air won’t directly benefit the ordinary people at the grassroots?
Aka Eze Aka:
I completely understand their skepticism, but let me be clear: Enugu Air is not for the elites alone. It is a people-centric project with far-reaching benefits. Aviation is not just about flights; it’s about economic acceleration. It’s about jobs, ground staff, logistics, hospitality, local transport, traders, and even food vendors will benefit. What Governor Mbah has done is to build a gateway, a literal air bridge, between Enugu and global economic opportunities.
You see, when goods and people move faster, business grows. That’s a fact. If a palm oil merchant in Nsukka can now freight her products to Lagos in hours, or a medical supplier in Obollo-Afor can receive urgent diagnostics kits via air cargo, you begin to see how the grassroots gain from what some people mistakenly call an “elitist” project.
The Concourse:
So, in terms of economic impact, what immediate and future benefits do you foresee for the average Enugu citizen?
Aka Eze Aka:
Immediately, we’re looking at job creation, expanded commerce, and logistics efficiency. Young people will be trained and employed as flight staff, customer service agents, engineers, and security personnel. Local SMEs will service the airline directly and indirectly.
In the longer term, Enugu becomes a magnet for investors. You can’t attract global business with poor connectivity. Now we have our own air transport company, a functional and state-branded airline; this will bring in more conferences, tourism, educational exchanges, and direct investments.
Even local farmers in Udenu will feel the ripple effect. When investors and agro-exporters fly in, local produce will find international markets. That’s how development works; through a value chain that begins with vision and ends with improved livelihoods.
Aka Eze Aka at the occasion, anchoring the Programme
The Concourse:
As Chairman of Udenu LGA, how do you see this aligning with your own developmental agenda for your people?
Aka Eze Aka:
Perfectly aligned. Our administration’s mantra in Udenu is “…In Touch with Tomorrow.” Governor Mbah has pragmatically brought tomorrow closer to Enugu and Udenu is proudly in touch with it. Currently, our administration is aggressively pursuing rural economic empowerment and youth development, like the newly completed Udenu Tech Hub. With Enugu Air, we have a new tool to deepen that work. We are already exploring partnerships for business tourism, and rural hospitality development, such as the Ezimo Waterfall. I want my people in Udenu to dream big and trade wide, and this initiative from Governor Mbah gives us the wings to fly, quite literally.
The Concourse:
You’ve been one of the most vocal supporters of Governor Peter Mbah. What is it about his leadership that you find most commendable?
Aka Eze Aka:
Governor Mbah is a man of vision, velocity, and veracity. He speaks with clarity and delivers with precision. He promised to make Enugu the most attractive destination for investment, and he is doing just that. Whether it is the smart schools project in all 260 wards, the world-class healthcare revolution, or this aviation masterstroke; he’s showing us what it means to lead with purpose.
Gov. Mbah flanked by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai and Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, during the opening prayers at the event
More importantly, he is a Governor who listens. He doesn’t build for applause, he builds for impact. And we the grassroots Leaders, the foot soldiers, as it were, feel the pulse of his policies in our communities.
The Concourse:
Any final words to Ndi Enugu and the skeptics?
Aka Eze Aka:
To Ndi Enugu, I say: let’s own this project. Enugu Air is our airline, our pride, our passport to the world. Let us support and patronize it.
To the skeptics: of course, history always starts with doubt, but vision turns doubt into legacy. What Governor Mbah is doing today may be misunderstood by a few, but tomorrow, even the critics will testify that we flew because we dared to believe.
The Concourse:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman for this opportunity, despite the impromptu nature of it.
Aka Eze Aka (in a cheerful mood):
Thank you. Enugu is rising — and I’m proud to be part of this flight to greatness.
