Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has commended the huge and timely financial support from the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for the construction and actualisation of the state international cargo airport.
Last week, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved the commencement of non-scheduled flight operations at the airport for the next six months.
Oyebanji explained that the financial support of the elder statesman in the procurement of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), control tower communications equipment, and the construction of the car park were instrumental to the approval by the federal government agency.
The governor, who spoke during his visit to ABUAD on Wednesday, where he presented a letter of appreciation to the legal icon, acknowledged Babalola’s commitment and generosity towards achieving his administration’s shared prosperity agenda for the state.
According to him, “We are here to inform you of the good news we received from the NCAA granting approval to run non-scheduled flights from Ado-Ekiti Airport for six months with effect from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
“With this approval, chartered flights can land in Ado-Ekiti at any time during the day. This will later be followed by commercial flights.
“This development will open Ekiti State to the world in line with your (Babalola’s) vision of putting the state on the international grid of excellence. As from January, private jets can start landing in Ado-Ekiti Airport. We thank you for your support, sir. Your contributions have helped us tremendously on this project.”
The governor, however, pleaded with Babalola that for full commercial operations to be approved at the airport, there is a need for the installation of the Instrument Landing System, which will enable aircraft to land during the day and night, including during extremely bad weather, saying, “we will count on your unflinching support.”
Responding, the ABUAD founder expressed gladness over the approval for the non-scheduled flight operations at the airport, commending Governor Oyebanji’s efforts and commitment to the project.
He disclosed that the operation of the airport would contribute in no small measure to the economic development of the state with the creation of employment opportunities and economic activities in the state.
The nonagenarian said, “I thank Your Excellency for your commitment to this airport project. I thank you for all you have been doing and are still doing.
“Without a viable and functional transportation system, a state or a country is doomed. When America was discovered, there were no roads. But gradually and eventually, the whole area was tarred, and the whole area evolved to become a state (country) that is a clear leader in the comity of nations today.
“You know as much as I do that people can’t come to Ekiti because of the bad road network. As a matter of fact, many organisations that promised to come and invest in Ekiti State cannot actualise their dream because the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked, and industry-locked. But all that is beginning to change, and it will change to the advantage of all of us.
“With this airport, there will be many job opportunities for our people. People coming in and out of the state will buy from our various markets. When people are gainfully employed, there will be no hunger. When there is no hunger, there will be no anger. And when there is no anger, there will be no violence.
“When you assumed the mantle of the leadership of the ship of the state, you promised that the airport would become a reality. By the grace of God and your determination to fulfil your promise, the Ekiti State Airport has become a reality.
“I will pass the news that Ekiti Airport has become a reality to the world. We will cooperate with you to make Ekiti State one of the best and safest states to operate and invest in the country. We will support you in all ways. You have started well. You are doing well, and you will end well. Posterity will record you for good.”
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