Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, will officially launch the project to upgrade Ibadan Airport, Alakia, to international status on Wednesday.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to boost economic growth and development.
The flag-off comes just weeks after the governor inaugurated an 11-member committee, chaired by former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, to oversee the project’s successful execution.
The upgrade follows approval from the Federal Government, allowing Oyo State to proceed with transforming the airport, a move Governor Makinde believes will enhance the state’s economic potential, particularly through agribusiness.
During the inauguration of the committee on July 30, Makinde emphasized that the decision to upgrade the facility was strategic and grounded in research. “The decision to convert our local airport into an international one was not made hastily,” the governor said.
“We are not simply trying to copy what others are doing. This is a carefully planned project, driven by science, logic, and data. The vision has been in place for four years, and we began laying the groundwork during our first tenure.”
He further highlighted key milestones achieved to date, including the completion of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, which has been concessioned to Bovas Group.
“We have also made significant upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure, which has led to an increase in airlines including Ibadan in their flight schedules,” Makinde added.
The airport upgrade is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding Oyo State’s economy by facilitating international travel and commerce.
The Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.