Ekiti Cargo Airport Gulped Over N50bn, Says Oyebanji

Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that over N50 billion was expended on the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

The governor spoke at the launch of the inaugural commercial flight of the airport.

He said, “We are bringing the markets closer to our people and the world closer to Ekiti.”

Oyebanji said that the commencement of commercial flight operations from Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has turned the market access challenge into an opportunity for the people of the state.

“Ekiti State is blessed with hardworking and brilliant people, fertile lands and abundant rainfall. Yet, we have had to travel long distances, facing high costs and risks, before reaching the markets that could benefit us.

“I therefore urge our people to seize the opportunities that air connectivity brings and tap into the unimaginable economic potential that the aviation sector can bring about.

“Despite the perceived uncertainties, we trust in God, and we are confident that it will be a worthwhile experience as we urge other airline operators to do likewise”.

The aircraft, marked BN BWHY, owned by the United Nigeria Airline, which had three former governors of the state, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Mr Ayodele Fayose, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the nine federal lawmakers from the state, led by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and other prominent Nigerians on board, touched down at the airport around 11 am.

In his address, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that the commencement of the scheduled flight marks a new era in the development of aviation in Ekiti and Nigeria.

Keyamo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, stated that history was made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight, saying the achievement reflects what the state is known for.

He said the airport stands as a practical example of the renewed hope of the president Tinubu-led administration in its 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”.

Governor Oyebanji thanked President Bola Tinubu for his strong support, which enabled them to finance this project to completion, and for creating an enabling environment for states to thrive. He also expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s continued support for Ekiti State in particular.