Ekiti Spends N49.7bn on Airport Project — Oyebanji.
• Lauds Afe Babalola’s $1.6m, N356m support.
• EAF hails commencement of commercial flights.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that a total of N49.77bn has so far been invested in the construction and completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
Oyebanji made the revelation yesterday during the inaugural commercial flight into the airport by United Nigeria Airlines, describing the project as a multi-administration legacy that has now come to fruition.
According to him, between May 2019 and October 2022, when a test flight first landed under former Governor Kayode Fayemi, the state government had already spent about N14bn on the project. He added that upon assuming office on October 28, 2022, his administration committed an additional N34bn to complete outstanding works and make the airport fully operational.
The governor also praised the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, for his exceptional contributions, including the direct donation of navigational aids (CVOR/DME) and control tower equipment valued at $1.6m.
“In addition, Afe Babalola built a 100-car capacity car park opposite the terminal building at the cost of N356m,” Oyebanji noted, describing the elder statesman as a pillar of support whose generosity has continued to propel Ekiti’s development.
He further acknowledged the roles played by former governors Segun Oni, who conceived the airport idea; Ayodele Fayose, who acquired and cleared the site; and Kayode Fayemi, who commenced construction six years ago.
Represented by ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Babalola commended Oyebanji for “unwavering resilience” in ensuring the airport’s full operation. He reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s development and emphasised the need for a railway line from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and onward to Onitsha to further boost economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti Advancement Frontiers (EAF) has congratulated Oyebanji and residents of the state on the successful takeoff of scheduled commercial flights. In a statement signed by its Press Officer, Richard Akinpelumi, the group described the development as “a victory for continuity in governance and a major step towards shared prosperity.”
The group urged Ekiti indigenes and investors at home and abroad to take full advantage of the new gateway to drive economic activities across the state.
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