Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in projects that support the state’s sustainable development. In line with this, the governor has inaugurated an 11-member committee to oversee the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport, Alakia, to an international standard.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde stated that the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport is the second comparative advantage his administration is exploring to expand the state’s economy, after investments in agribusiness.
“Today marks another important milestone in the history of Oyo State, as we inaugurate the committee that will work towards the actualization of the Ibadan Airport upgrade,” the governor said. “Our vision for investing in a second comparative advantage of our city to support the comparative advantage in agribusiness is coming together.”
Makinde explained that the decision to convert the local airport into an international one was not a hasty one but a well-thought-out decision based on science, logic, and data. He noted that the state government has already completed the construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, as well as a new VIP Lounge, and donated a Fire Truck and Pickup Van to the airport as part of the upgrade measures.
The 11-member committee inaugurated by the governor is chaired by Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State. Other members include Alhaji Kabir Yusuf, a former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Dr. Wale Babalakin, an entrepreneur and legal luminary; and several Nigerian Air Force officers with expertise in airport management, runway construction, and transportation engineering.
“We have put together a team of people with the required expertise to deliver on this project,” Makinde said. “I believe we have assembled the best of the best. It has nothing to do with politics or nepotism or tribalism. We want to thank you all for accepting to support us on this project.”
The governor emphasized that the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport is a strategic investment that will contribute to the overall expansion of Oyo State’s economy, particularly in the agribusiness sector.
