The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has hailed the Ekiti Agro-allied International Cargo Airport, describing it as a new era of aviation development in Nigeria
Speaking at the inaugural commercial flight operations at the Airport on Wednesday by United Nigeria Airline, Keyamo represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry, Yakubu Adam, described the development as a historic event, saying it’s a new era in the aviation sector in the country.
Keyamo explained that the achievements reflect the beauty of Ekiti, adding that the airport stands as a practical example of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu in his quest to sustain job creation.
He reaffirmed his commitment towards the development of Ekiti State and all initiatives that would bring about the sustainability of growth in Nigeria.
The minister said, “History is made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight, we celebrate not just the take off, it’s a new era in the development of aviation in Ekiti and Nigeria.
“This achievement reflects what the state is known for. This airport stands as a practical example of the renewed hope of Tinubu in his quest to sustain job creation,
“I congratulate the Governor of Ekiti state, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that will bring about the growth and development of Nigeria.”
The first commercial flight, UN 0622 landed at the Ekiti Cargo International Airport from Abuja at exactly 11:00 am and was welcomed by the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor Segun Oni, Commissioners, Technical Advisers, among others.
The aircraft had in its cabin the Permanent Secretary of Aviation Ministry, Yakubu Adam, former governors of Ekiti State, Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, among others.
The second commercial flight, UN 0623 took off at exactly 12:13 pm, departing for Lagos.
Leading the delegation of three senators and six Federal House of Representatives members representing Ekiti, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the feat, hailing him for not embracing partisan politics by bringing all the past governors together for the development of Ekiti, adding that the Airport will bring about further development to the entire state.
The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola commended Governor Oyebanji for his resilience to ensure the full operation of the airport.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the state, emphasising that he remains fully prepared to continue offering support.
Babalola, represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Smaranda Olarinde said the State is also in dire need of a railway station that would start from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and further to Onitsha in Eastern Nigeria.
This according to him would provide a faster, safe and more affordable means of transporting goods and residents in a modern economy.
On his part, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, appreciated the governor for giving his company the conducive environment to operate, assuring his government of his unalloyed commitment to the safety of the residents.
He noted that the state wouldn’t have recorded such achievements without continuity government, assuring the state that the Company would soon begin flight to other states in the country.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji revealed that the state has so far spent about N49.7 billion on the construction and development of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments in the state’s history.
Oyebanji explained that between May 2019 and October 2022, under the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, the state spent about N14 billion on early phases of the project, with the expenditure covering compensation, site preparation, regulatory approvals, runway construction, terminal building works, access roads, initial perimeter fencing, aprons, power houses, and the first firefighting truck.
The governor attributed the success of the airport to the contributions of the past governors, who according to him meant well for the betterment of the state.
He also commended Babalola for his financial contribution.
Ekiti Airport, new era of aviation development in Nigeria – Keyamo
