The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, on Wednesday, received its first aircraft since its closure in March 2025 for upgrade to international standards.
The aircraft, which carried an advance team of the presidency head of Friday, September 26, 2025, coronation of Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, arrived the airport at exactly 9:14 am to the joy of everyone in the vicinity.
President Bola Tinubu is expected in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja.
The successful landing underscores the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.
With the presidency flight scheduled to follow soon, this inaugural flight sets a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.
It would be recalled that Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, had in September 2024, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport’s upgrade.
Makinde had said at the event that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
The governor had also noted that, “The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travelers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.”
Earlier, the Makinde-led administration had upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge and provided a fire truck.
It also installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
