Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde On Wednesday, launched the project to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Alakia, Ibadan, to international standards.
The governor stated that this project will help connect Oyo State to the global market and boost the state’s economy.
Makinde highlighted that the upgraded airport will improve business operations and attract investments in areas like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
He said, “This airport will connect Oyo State to a global market. It will improve ease of doing business, bringing investments into agribusiness, manufacturing, and technology sectors, positioning Ibadan as a true regional business hub.”
The project, which has been awarded to Messrs Craneburg, is set to cost N41 billion. The governor promised that the airport would be completed within the next 12 months. He acknowledged that some people questioned the decision to upgrade the airport at this time, but he emphasized that it is a strategic investment based on data and logic.
“Some people do not think that upgrading this airport at this time is a good idea, but the decision to upgrade this airport to international standard is based on data and logic. In the next twelve months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope,” Makinde stated.
Makinde also reassured the residents of Oyo State that the new Presumptive Tax Law recently passed by the State House of Assembly will not be implemented immediately, given the economic challenges people are facing. He said, “We know times are hard and Nigerians are hungry and angry. But I hope this will not boil over. I will sign it into law, but we will not implement it for now.”
He added that his administration’s goal is to support policies that will help put money in the pockets of the people and not cause any additional hardship.
During the event, Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, praised Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership, calling him “a passionate agent of development in Oyo State.”
The Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Committee, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, said the project will improve economic growth and enhance the passenger experience. Chief Akinwunmi Akintola, representing the Samuel Ladoke Akintola family, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for honoring the family with the project.
Governor Makinde concluded the event by calling on the people of Edo State to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming governorship election.
The ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, and various political and community leaders.
