The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday urged the Enugu State Government to ensure that Enugu Air is run professionally and shielded from political interference and bureaucratic inefficiency.

Keyamo also hailed Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as one of the best-performing governors in the country, despite belonging to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking during the inauguration of Enugu Air in the state capital, Keyamo commended Mbah’s leadership style and development strides.

“I want to mirror what the president said the other day to commission project. Dr Peter Mbah, you’re in PDP, but we’re scared of you.

The way you’re going, we don’t know what will happen, and we don’t know how to drop a scheme to defeat you, but we will be planning,” Keyamo said.

“Beyond party line, we should not be afraid to say it. You have a progressive spirit, you’ve done well for Enugu State, and you’re one of the best performing governors.”

“What is left to advise is, do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air. Be prompt in your departure and arrival.”

The airline will begin operations with a fleet of three Embraer jets from the E170 and E190 series, selected for their operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and suitability for regional routes.

Its inaugural routes will form a strategic triangular network connecting Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos. Plans are also underway to expand services to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other major cities across Nigeria and beyond.

Enugu launches its air fleet, Enugu Air, on Monday 7 July 2025.

Ohibaba.com gathered that Enugu Airline begins domestic flights with three aircrafts fleet connecting Enugu, Abuja and Lagos and subsequently extending to Port-Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano and other cities across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking during the launch of the aircrafts, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu declared that Enugu Air, the newly launched state-owned airline, is not a government initiative for prestige but a people-driven project aimed at empowering traders, students, investors, and everyday travellers.

Mbah emphasised that the airline was conceived to serve the real economic and mobility needs of the people.

He said, “Enugu Air does not belong to the government. It belongs to the people of Enugu State, the traders, students, investors, and travellers who will use it.”

He emphasized : “It belongs to the new generation who will look back and say, ‘That was when we chose to compete.’ So, let us not treat this as a mere ceremonial ribbon-cutting, but as the start of a new standard—a standard for infrastructure that serves the people, a standard for leadership that builds lasting institutions, not just temporary applause, and a standard for public-private cooperation that delivers real value.”

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors.

It was learnt that the monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne.

The demise of Oba Olakulehin, born July 5, 1935, is coming barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Recall that Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne from the chieftancy rung of Balogun Olubadan, following the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died at the age of 81 years on March 14, 2024.

Details later…