The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday lauded Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, describing him as one of the most outstanding and high-performing governors in Nigeria, despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Keyamo made the remarks during the official inauguration of Enugu Air, a new state-backed airline, at an event held in the state capital. He praised Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and impressive strides in infrastructural and economic development.
“I echo the sentiments recently expressed by the President during the commissioning of a project,” Keyamo said.
“Dr. Peter Mbah, though you belong to the PDP, your performance is so formidable that it intimidates us. The pace at which you are moving makes us uneasy—we genuinely don’t know how to craft a political strategy that could outmatch your achievements. But rest assured, we’re taking notes and planning.”
He added, “Politics aside, it’s only right to speak the truth when we see excellence. You are a progressive leader. What you’ve done for Enugu State is truly commendable, and by all metrics, you rank among the top-performing governors in the nation.”
Speaking on the launch of Enugu Air, Keyamo urged the state government to ensure that the airline is operated with the highest standards of professionalism. He cautioned against allowing political interference or bureaucratic red tape to undermine the venture.
“My advice is simple: do not allow Enugu Air to suffer the same fate as the defunct Nigerian Airways. It must be managed professionally, with a strong emphasis on efficiency and punctuality. Delay in flight schedules should not be part of its identity.
”Enugu Air is set to begin operations with a fleet of three Embraer jets—comprising models from the E170 and E190 series—chosen for their fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and suitability for regional routes.
The airline’s initial routes will form a strategic triangular network connecting Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, Nigeria’s major political, administrative, and economic hubs. Future expansion plans include extending services to key cities such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and additional destinations across the country and beyond.
With this bold initiative, Enugu State positions itself as a growing force in regional aviation and economic development, signaling a new era of connectivity and growth.
