*Says it will be delivered in 12 months, transform Ibadan into regional business hub in Southwest zone.
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Eng Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the state government will expend N41 billion for the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Alakia area of Ibadan to an International airport status
Speaking on Wednesday at the flagging off of the airport’s upgrade in Ibadan, Gov Makinde stressed that his administration has been committed to upgrading the airport since 2019, with a clear vision to transform Ibadan into a regional business hub in the Southwest zone of the country
According to him,his administration is committed into delivering the upgrade of the Ibadan airport to international standard within 12 months as his administration has been committed to upgrading the airport since 2019, with a clear vision to transform Ibadan into a regional business hub in the Southwest zone.
” We have our data. For those who think this project is not proper, we take decisions based on logic, science and data.This decision to upgrade this airport is based on solid data and logic”, he said .
Gov Makinde added, ” If you have your own data that contradicts, please let us have a public debate. I’m sure in the next 12 months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope”.
“We have also upgraded part of the facilities which increased the number of airlines including Ibadan in their flight schedules. Modernising the airport is essential for connecting the state to the global economy and facilitating economic activities. While it is true that times are tough, this project represents a significant investment in our future,”
He stressed further, “The upgrade of the SLA Airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travelers, positioning Oyo State for economic growth and development”.
While maintaining that the project will further solidify Ibadan’s position as a key economic center in the region, Governor Makinde reassured residents that there would be no new taxes imposed to fund the project.
On the economic challenges facing Oyo state, the governor noted that the airport upgrade is a critical investment for sustainable growth and that it will enhance transportation and attract businesses, tourists, and investors to the region.
Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke while speaking at the flag off lauded Gov Makinde describing him as a “true actualiser” of development projects” .
Gov Adeleke stressed that his government will be willing to collaborate with Oyo State to explore mutually beneficial opportunities for both states.
Acting Manager of Ibadan Airport Mr Francis Balogun while speaking on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the project would stimulate the state’s economy, creating jobs and attracting investment.
New Nigerian recalled that Gov Makinde had in June this year announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved his request to upgrade of the Ibadan Airport to an international airport.
Gov Makinde later set up an 11-man committee, headed by a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, to oversee the delivery of the project.
