Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has said that upgrading Ibadan Airport to international standards and the Ibadan Circular Road projects are essential for expanding the state’s economy.
He promised to deliver part of the airport project and the 32km East Wing segment of the Ibadan Circular Road in the current year.
Makinde stated this on Sunday at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, noting that his administration would do more for the state’s people in 2025.
When upgraded, he added that the Ibadan Airport would be viable and compete favourably with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
He reiterated that his tenure would be remembered for building lasting infrastructure and institutions in the state.
According to him, Nigerians will survive the current economic hardship because tough people are willing to outlast tough times.
He said: “I have always said that when I leave office, I do not want to be remembered just for the projects.
“But some projects are dear to my heart. These include upgrading Ibadan Airport to an international standard. Some have said it is not a viable project because Ibadan is close to Lagos. That is true, but Ibadan Airport should have been an alternative airport to Lagos from day one.
“When we arrived, the airport had no storage and fuel dispensing facility. How will it be viable if planes cannot go and refuel in this place? We have put the aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility in there. Yesterday, I saw with my eyes how an aeroplane was being refuelled in our airport in Ibadan.
“So, we have removed one of the obstacles that have been making the airport not viable. We are extending the runway so a Boeing 787 can land at the airport shortly.
“We made a terminal that is only good for 100,000 people yearly. We are building a new terminal to take over one million passengers through that airport. With what we are doing, Ibadan Airport will be viable and compete with Lagos Airport.
“A part of the project will be delivered this year. The terminal will be delivered in the first quarter of next year because we have deployed the resources.
“Also, on the Circular Road, the first segment, 32km from Technical University to Badeku, will be delivered this year. So, continue to pray and support this administration.”
Makinde also urged state residents to be ready to be held responsible for their actions, as, according to him, the government will enforce the rule of law across different sectors.
“I urge people to obey the rule of law because we don’t want to be harsh on anybody. I said we would not take people off the streets until we built something for them as a replacement, and we did that at Gate and Challenge,” he said.
