By Halimah Olamide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State to an international airport.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State disclosed this on Wednesday, while receiving the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to Governor’s Office at the State Secretariat in Ibadan.
The Governor said, “The President has graciously approved my request for Ibadan airport to be upgraded.”
According to him, the airport upgrade will boost the economy of the state.
Governor Makinde solicited the input of personnel of the Air Force in the state to ensure that the project meets the required operating standards.
He explained that the upgrading project, which would begin in the next three weeks, would include the construction of a new terminal, runway and other structural features.
“The project will be handled by experts and delivered to standard,” he said, pointing out that he had identified the need for the airport’s upgrade to be central to his economic expansion agenda.
On developmental projects by his government, Makinde said his administration had spent the last five years turning around the state’s economy.
“Our government’s resolve to build infrastructure which targets the economic expansion agenda has also seen it investing resources on the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road.
“This administration will consider the Air Force’s request for land for its post-retirement housing scheme on the Circular Road corridor,” he said.
The governor appreciated the Chief of Air Staff for his officers’ efforts in working with sister security agencies to secure Oyo State.
He urged that the cordial relationship between the Force and the people of the state be maintained.
Makinde equally noted that his administration has remained committed to working with the Air Force to deliver the Air Force Base in Ajia, Ibadan.
He assured Abubakar that his promise of a speedy completion of the road that leads to the base would be kept.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Air Staff had described the governor as a visionary leader, thanking him for his support for the Air Force.
He noted that the acquisition of 60 hectares of land for the Air Force Base at Ajia and the provision of security operational vehicles were commendable efforts of the governor.
Abubakar acknowledged the governor’s focus on economic development and enhancing security in the state.
“The Air Force will continue to support the state and also build on the mutual relationship with the state,” he assured