ValueJet, in partnership with the Plateau State Government, has announced the resumption of direct flights between Lagos and Jos, set to begin on April 2, 2025.
The airline will initially operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—with plans to increase the frequency to daily service in the future.
ValueJet’s Managing Director, Omololu Majekodunmi, disclosed this development in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Plateau State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Jatau Gyang, to formalize the partnership.
“In a bid to expand flight operations, ValueJet and the Plateau Government have agreed to restart direct flights from Lagos to Jos, Plateau, beginning April 2,” the NAN report read in part.
It added, “Initially, the airline will operate direct Lagos-Jos flights three times weekly — on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — with potential expansion to daily service.”
The introduction of Lagos-Jos flights is part of ValueJet’s broader expansion plan to connect major destinations across Nigeria.
Majekodunmi explained that the partnership aims to provide safer and faster travel alternatives to the five-hour road journey between Jos and Abuja, which has long been plagued by security challenges and extended travel times.
He emphasized the importance of the service, pointing out that travelers now have the option of a 35-minute flight instead of enduring the risks associated with the road.
He also highlighted the personal experiences of the governor, who has made over 25 road trips between Jos and Abuja since assuming office, often encountering insecurity and other difficulties.
The NAN report further noted that the initiative aligns with Plateau State’s strategy to drive economic growth by attracting investment and improving mobility for residents and visitors.
Commissioner Jatau Gyang emphasized that the collaboration is a crucial step toward fostering development in the state while ensuring safer travel options for its people.
Background
ValueJet, founded in 2018, launched its inaugural flight on October 10, 2022. In February 2023, it introduced flights to Jos as part of its route expansion but later suspended operations on the route.
With the planned resumption in April 2025, ValueJet aims to strengthen its network, which currently includes Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yola, Benin, Asaba, and Kano. The airline also provides charter services for customized travel needs.
A group, Women for Women Community, Plateau Chapter, has called for greater inclusion, fairness and equal political participation for women ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the group’s Convener, Mrs Rhoda Jahota; Coordinator, Mrs Felicia Bala; and Secretary, Mrs Kauna Samuel.
The group said women remained critical stakeholders in peace building, economic growth, community leadership and family stability, stressing that their contributions should reflect in political leadership structures.
“As vital stakeholders in peace, growth and development, women have continued to contribute immensely to nation-building, community leadership, economic advancement and family stability.
“It is only right that these contributions are meaningfully reflected in our political leadership and decision-making structures,” the statement said.
The group appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors and other stakeholders in Plateau to support competent and visionary women seeking elective offices.
It also urged political party leaders and chairmen to ensure a fair, transparent and level playing field for female aspirants during party primaries and elections.
“The inclusion of women on the ballot is not merely a political gesture,” the group stated.
“It is a necessary step toward strengthening democracy, promoting good governance and building a more inclusive society,” it added.
The group further urged women, mothers and youths to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences in supporting credible female candidates.
According to the statement, leadership should be driven by integrity, competence, compassion and vision rather than gender, ethnicity or political affiliation.
“The future of Plateau State is brighter when women are empowered to lead alongside men,” the group stated.
“A society that gives women equal opportunity in governance is positioned for sustainable peace, justice, unity and development,” it added.
The group described the advocacy as a call for progress, inclusion and transformational leadership, declaring that “it is Women O’Clock on the Plateau.” (NAN)