A prominent stakeholder from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Simon Eze, has commended Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for what he described as visionary leadership and bold investments in strategic infrastructure capable of transforming the South-East into Nigeria’s leading industrial and economic powerhouse.
Chief Eze gave the commendation while reacting to the announcement by Enugu Air that it will commence direct flight operations from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to London Gatwick Airport on December 10, 2026.
Describing the development as a historic milestone for Enugu State and the entire South-East region, Eze said the international route is a clear manifestation of Governor Mbah’s commitment to opening up the state to global business opportunities, investment inflows, tourism and international trade.
According to him, the commencement of direct London flights from Enugu represents a major breakthrough that will end decades of dependence on Lagos and other airports by South-East travelers seeking international connections.
“Governor Peter Mbah is demonstrating uncommon vision and courage in governance. What we are witnessing today is not just the launch of another airline route; it is the deliberate repositioning of Enugu as a global gateway and economic hub,” Eze stated.
He noted that the governor’s aggressive infrastructure agenda, spanning aviation, transportation, energy, security and technology, is steadily laying the foundation for economic transformation across the region.
“The decision to establish Enugu Air and ensure the commencement of direct international flights to London is a strategic move that will stimulate commerce, attract investors, create jobs and strengthen the economic competitiveness of the South-East.
“For years, our people endured the inconvenience and additional costs of travelling to Lagos or Abuja before accessing international destinations. Today, Governor Mbah has changed that narrative and brought the world closer to our doorstep,” he said.
Chief Eze further described the London route as a major boost for businessmen, students, tourists and members of the Nigerian diaspora, especially those with roots in the South-East, adding that it would deepen socio-economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He praised the governor’s determination to transform Akanu Ibiam International Airport into a world-class aviation hub, stressing that enhanced global air connectivity would accelerate industrial growth and attract multinational investments to Enugu State.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking leadership that drives development. Governor Mbah understands that modern economies are built on strategic infrastructure. Through projects like Enugu Air and the expansion of international air connectivity, he is positioning Enugu State to become the economic nerve centre of eastern Nigeria and one of the most attractive investment destinations in Africa,” he added.
The community leader urged residents of Enugu State and the South-East to support the administration’s development initiatives, emphasizing that the benefits of the governor’s bold reforms would resonate across generations.
Enugu Air has announced that the London Gatwick service will operate four times weekly in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, a development expected to significantly enhance international travel options and business opportunities for passengers across the region.
With the countdown to the inaugural London flight underway, many observers see the development as another landmark achievement in Governor Mbah’s drive to position Enugu as a leading destination for investment, commerce and global connectivity.
