Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has disclosed that the state government has so far invested N49.77 billion in the development of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, marking a major milestone as the facility received its first commercial flight on Wednesday.
The airport project began under former Governor Kayode Fayemi, with the foundation-laying performed by then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on 18 October 2019. The first-ever aircraft to land at the facility, a Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 piloted by Flight Lieutenant E. A. Balogun with Sirika on board, touched down on 15 October 2022 during a test operation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the maiden commercial flight operated by United Nigeria Airlines, Governor Oyebanji explained that between May 2019 and October 2022, the Fayemi administration committed approximately N14 billion to the project. He noted that, as acknowledged in Fayemi’s earlier remarks, significant components were still outstanding at the time.
“From 28 October 2022, after we took over government, we have committed in excess of about N34 billion to continue the outstanding works on the airport,” Oyebanji said.
He also highlighted the substantial private-sector contribution to the project, singling out the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, for donating key navigational infrastructure.
According to the governor, Babalola provided CVOR/DME equipment and control tower facilities valued at $1.6 million, in addition to constructing a 100-car capacity parking lot opposite the terminal building at a cost of N356 million.
“On behalf of the good people of Ekiti State, I wish to once again appreciate Aare Afe Babalola for his selflessness, generosity and unflinching support to the airport project and to Ekiti State in general,” Oyebanji stated.
The governor further emphasised that the airport represents a collective legacy shaped by successive administrations, from Segun Oni, who first conceived the idea; Ayodele Fayose, who acquired and initially cleared the site; to Fayemi, who initiated construction six years ago. “Today’s event is therefore an applause to our collective determination,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Babalola commended Oyebanji for his persistence in ensuring that the airport becomes fully operational. Represented by ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Smaranda Olarinde, he reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s development and advocated for an inter-state railway line linking Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and onward to Onitsha, describing it as essential infrastructure for modern, affordable and safe transportation.
The United Nigeria Airlines aircraft that marked the commencement of commercial operations arrived with several dignitaries, including former governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Fayose, and Fayemi; members of the National Assembly from Ekiti State; the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; and other officials.
The launch signals a new phase in the airport’s operational readiness, positioning the facility as a strategic gateway for agro-allied investment and passenger travel in Ekiti State.
