Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has promsed that the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport , will soon be completed.
The state’s commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said on Friday that this followed the ceremony marking the commencement of the second phase of the upgrade of Ibadan airport to International standards.
He stated that the development continued the milestone achieved on September 18, 2024, with the groundbreaking event for the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards.
He noted that during the groundbreaking ceremony, Makinde outlined that the project would be executed in two major phases. The first phase, which includes upgrading the runway, airport lighting, and fire services, has commenced successfully.
The second phase involves the construction of a new International Airport Terminal and other related infrastructure.
Oyelade, who described Makinde as a promise keeper, said that International airline commuters from Oyo and adjoining States could take a flight directly from Ibadan to any part of the world.
The foundation laying was performed on the governor’s behalf by the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport Upgrade Committee chairman, Mr. Abimbola Adekanbi. He said that the commencement of the construction of a new terminal building was an extraordinary moment in the history of Oyo State.
He described the project as a significant transformation and testament to Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering vision and exceptional leadership.
Identifying airports’ pivotal role in advancing any region, Adekanbi described the new international airport as an essential catalyst for economic development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“In September 2024, we marked the beginning of this ambitious transformation by extending the runway to 3000 meters, meeting international standards and regulatory requirements to accommodate larger aircraft,” Adekanbi said.
