Oyo State on the Rise: Governor Makinde Secures Approval for International Airport

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced on Wednesday, 26th June 2024,  that the administration’s efforts to upgrade the Ibadan Airport in Alakia to an international airport have been successful, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving the project. Governor Makinde revealed that the upgrade would commence in the next three weeks, featuring the construction of a new terminal, runway, and other structural enhancements. Experts will handle the project to ensure it meets international standards.

Governor Makinde shared this news while receiving the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar, at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. He emphasized that his administration has spent the last five years revitalizing the state’s economy, identifying the airport upgrade as essential to its economic expansion agenda.

Additionally, Governor Makinde mentioned that the government’s commitment to infrastructure development includes significant investments in the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road. The administration is also considering the Air Force’s request for land for a post-retirement housing scheme along the Circular Road corridor.

Governor Makinde stated: “Since I took office, our administration has focused on education, agriculture, health, and economic expansion. We have been in discussions with the Presidency, and early this week, we received confirmation that the President has approved my request to upgrade the Ibadan Airport. I will soon visit Abuja to finalize the approval documents. Within three weeks, the project will begin, involving runway expansion and the construction of a new terminal.”

He thanked the Chief of Air Staff for the cooperation between his officers and other security agencies in maintaining security in Oyo State. He noted the Air Force’s significant role in internal security through Operation Burst and reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Air Force Base in Ajia, Ibadan, and the road leading to it. The governor also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve several roads in the area, including the Ajia-Airport Road with a spur to Amuloko and the Amuloko-Dagbolu-Ijebu Igbo Roads.

Earlier, Air Marshal Abubakar praised Governor Makinde as a visionary leader and thanked him for his support of the Air Force. He acknowledged the governor’s focus on economic development and security enhancement, noting the acquisition of 60 hectares of land for the Air Force Base at Ajia and the provision of security operational vehicles as commendable efforts.

Abubakar urged the governor to expedite the completion of the ongoing 10km Ajia-Airport Road to facilitate the Air Force’s activities, assuring continued support from the Force and a strong mutual relationship with the state.

Present at the gathering were the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, and other dignitaries.

PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.