FG approves ibadan airport upgrade

Gov. Seyi Makinde disclosed on Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the airport at Alakia in Ibadan to an international airport.

Makinde, while receiving the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, in Ibadan, said the President’s approval has made his administration’s efforts to have the airport upgraded to a reality.

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’s 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 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.