History was made in Ekiti State on Wednesday as Governor Biodun Oyebanji led other dignitaries to receive the first commercial flight at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, in Ado Ekiti, the state, describing the project as a major milestone in the state’s quest for economic growth and enhanced connectivity.
The United Nigeria aircraft with registration number 5N-BWY and about 50 passengers on board, arrived the airport at about 11:09 am and departed at Noon for Lagos.
Dignitaries on board the first flight included Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; three former governors of the State — Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Dr Ayodele Fayose.
Also on board were members of the National Assembly from the state; Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam, and a former Minister of Aviation; Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, among others.
They were received by the governor; his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; former Governor Segun Oni; Technical Advisor on Airport Project, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Makinde (rtd.) and other state officials.
During the historic event, Oyebanji, who disclosed that over N49 billion was expended on the execution of the project, noted that the investment reflected the state government’s commitment to critical infrastructure that would stimulate development, attract investors and create jobs for the people of the state.
He said that the airport was strategically designed to support the export of agro-produce, boost value chains and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers, adding that the airport would also open the state to global opportunities, particularly in agriculture, commerce and tourism.
Commending his predecessors for their efforts at birthing the airport, particularly Fayemi, who laid the foundation, and took the project to a substantial level, Oyebanji said that the completion of the project underscored the gains of continuity in governance.
He also commended members of the National Assembly from the state for their support towards the actualisation of the project, and assured that his government would put in place the institutional framework and partnership to ensure optimal utilisation and sustainability of the project.
While expressing his deepest appreciation to President Bola Tinubu whose economic reforms freed resources to sub-national and made such project possible for the development of the state, the governor also thanked the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola for his selflessness, generosity and unflinching support to the airport project.
He commended the elder statesman for the donation of navigational aids and control tower equipment worth $1.6 million, and the construction of a car park of 100 capacity valued at N356 million
The governor also appreciate the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo for his relentless support and encouragement in ensuring the completion of the airport, and United Nigeria Airlines for accepting to partner the state.
Oyebanji charged the people of the state, particularly the entrepreneurs, investors, farmers and young professionals to the airport to expand their business, access new markets and create wealth, stressing that improved air transport would accelerate trade, tourism and overall economic prosperity in the state.
He said: ‘This moment is not just the official opening of the airport to commercial passenger operations; it is the launch of a new chapter in our transportation infrastructure development journey. Beyond infrastructural mileage however, this latest achievement is another quintessential testimony to our commitment to the shared vision of a modern, prosperous and forward looking State of our dream.
‘The making of this airport is a collective legacy of at least, three governors before me — Engr. Segun Oni who first conceived the idea, Governor Ayo Fayose who acquired and initially cleared the site, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who, despite all odds, braved the wind of challenges to commence the building of this airport six years ago. Today’s event is therefore an applause to our collective determination.
‘I must however, specially thank President Bola Tinubu for his strong support that enables us to finance this project to completion, my immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for his relentless courage and determination and Aare Afe Babalola for his huge financial and moral support. Without this trio, this project would have remained a pipe dream.
‘In all, a total sum of N49,774,980,974.61 has been expended directly by the Ekiti State Government. We have had to travel long distances facing high costs and risks before reaching the markets that could benefit us and benefit from us. Today, that challenge is turning into an opportunity with the commencement of commercial flight operations from Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
‘With this airport, we are bringing the markets closer to our people and the world closer to Ekiti. I therefore urge our people to seize the opportunities that air connectivity brings and tap into the unimaginable economic potential that the aviation sector can bring about’.
Earlier, Keyamo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the event as historic, adding it was not just a takeoff of commercial flights at the airport but the beginning of new possibilities, economic pathways and a new era in the development of the state and Nigeria.
He commended Oyebanji for his exceptional leadership, and said that the airport would bring about opportunities which include enhanced agricultural capability for farmers, create new market for entrepreneurs and investment opportunities for the citizens, among others.
In their separate goodwill messages, Oni, Fayemi, Fayose, Adebayo, and Bamidele went down memory lane to highlight their individual efforts towards the completion of the project as they expressed their appreciation to Oyebanji for completing the project successfully.
Babalola commended the governor for his passion for the project, which led to its completion.
Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ekiti State for believing and making United Nigeria Airline of first choice as he assured residents of the state that the airline would guarantee provision of excellent services.
He further said that the airline is already working out plan to make sure that passengers can fly directly from Ekiti to other state capitals, aside Lagos and Abuja.
