From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has commended the founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola ( SAN) for his contributions to the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) had last week approved the commencement of non-scheduled flight operations at the Airport for six months from December 15, 2024 to June 15 2025.
Speaking during his visit to ABUAD on Wednesday where he delivered a letter of appreciation to the nonagenarian for his huge financial support for the actualization of the Airport, the Governor said, “We are here this afternoon to inform you of the good news we received from the NCAA granting approval to run non-scheduled flights from Ado-Ekiti Airport for six months with effect from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
“With this approval, chartered flights can land in Ado-Ekiti at any time during the day. This will later be followed with commercial flights.
“This development will open Ekiti State to the world in line with your (Babalola’s) vision of putting the state on the international grid of excellence.
As from January, private Jets can start landing in Ado-Ekiti Airport.
We thank you for your support, sir. Your contributions have helped us tremendously on this project.”
The Governor also appealed to the elderstatesman for more support to ensure the approval of full commercial flight operations at the Airport.
Oyebanji said,” However, there are certain things we still need to put in place within the next six months to ensure the commencement of commercial flights. The critically important of our needs is the Instrument Landing System (ILS) which will enable Aircrafts to land during day and night, including during extremely bad weather.”
The Governor’s letter of appreciation read, “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I am delighted to formally express our heartfelt appreciation for the assistance you provided to the Ekiti State Government during the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
“I am delighted to inform you that on 11th December 2024, we obtained clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to commence non-scheduled fight operations for 6 months from 13 December 2024 to 15 June 2025.
” Your financial contribution for the purchase of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), control tower communications equipment and the construction of the car park, was invaluable to the accomplishment, and we are immensely grateful for your willingness to help.
” Sir, I wish to notify you that NCAA has outlined conditions for the actualization of the full commercial fight operation status which includes installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enhance the flight operational capacity of the airport and we will count on your unflinching support.
“Once again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to our shared passion and goals of development and prosperity for our dear Ekiti State. You are highly appreciated Sir, and please accept the assurances of my best wishes, as always ”
Responding, Babalola applauded the
approval for the non-scheduled flight operations at the Airport and commended the Governor for his efforts, underscoring the importance of functional transportation system to the economic development of the state.
“I thank Your Excellency for your commitment on this Airport Project. I thank you for all you have been doing and still doing.
“Without a viable and functional transportation system, a state, a country is doomed. When America was discovered, there were no roads. But gradually and eventually, the whole area was tarred and the whole area evolved to becoming a state (country) that is a clear leader in the comity of nations today.
“You know as much as I do that people can’t come to Ekiti because of the bad road network. As a matter of fact, many organizations that promised to come and invest in Ekiti State cannot actualize their dream because the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked and industry-locked. But all that is beginning to change, and it will change to the advantage of all of us.
“With this Airport, there will be many job opportunities for our people. People coming in and out of the state will buy from our various markets. When people are gainfully employed, there will be no hunger. When there is no hunger, there will be no anger. And when there is no anger, there will be no violence.
“When you assumed the mantle of the leadership of the ship of the state, you promised that the Airport will become a reality. By the grace of God and your determination to fulfil your promise, the Ekiti State Airport has become a reality.
“I will pass the news that Ekiti Airport has become a reality to the world. We will cooperate with you to make Ekiti state one of the best and safest states to operate and invest in in the country. We will support you in all ways.
“You have started well. You are doing well, and you will end well. Posterity will record you for good.”