The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has on Wednesday flagged off the upgrade of the 41 billion naira Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event held within the airport premises, Alakia, the governor said the upgrade was in fulfillment of his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde and Pa Theophilus Akinyele’s vision.
While commending the commitment and dedication of the committee to midwife the upgrade for coming up with the necessary frameworks within the stipulated time, disclosed that the project will bring ease of doing business and bring in investments in agribusiness, manufacturing and technology sectors and position Ibadan as a true regional business hub.
Makinde described the airport upgrade project as a strategic investment that will be carried out within the budget range, maintaining that his administration will continue to make decisions based on logic, science and data for the benefit of the people of the state.
The governor stated that the project including terminal and runway will be delivered at the stipulated time of 12 months against the proposed 18 months by the committee.
Makinde appreciated President Bola Tinubu for giving his consent to the developmental project in Oyo State.
Speaking on Saturday’s Edo State Governorship election, Governor Seyi Makinde threw his weight behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
He urged the people of Edo State to give Ighodalo their mandate in order to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the state.
Makinde also passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee of the party under the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, appreciated Governor Makinde’s efforts for promoting the status of Oyo State as the political headquarters of the South West region.
He said his administration is also not relenting in delivering good governance in Osun State.
Delivering his welcome address, a member of the committee, Commodore Victor Ajiboje, said that the task to midwife the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standard was a resolve of Governor Makinde to transforming Ibadan into economic hub for the good of all Nigerians.
He disclosed that the upgrade of the airport to international standard is essential to meet up the rapid growth, urbanization and increase economic activities of Oyo State and also to accommodate various wide boarding aircrafts to enhance airlift capacity of the airport and its operational.
Ajiboje said that the upgrade will go a long way in putting off the pressure from the Murtala Airport in Lagos State, which he said is already overcrowded, reducing travel time of the committing passengers and enhancing travel convenience.
The committee is chaired by the former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi.
