The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has described the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a “new era of aviation development in Nigeria,” following the successful commencement of commercial flight operations on Wednesday.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yakubu Adam, Keyamo said the inaugural commercial flight operated by United Nigeria Airlines signaled a historic moment for Ekiti State and the nation’s aviation industry.
Keyamo praised the state government for delivering an airport that reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in job creation and infrastructure expansion.
“History is made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight,” he said. “This airport stands as a practical example of the President’s renewed hope agenda and his quest to sustain job creation. We congratulate the governor of Ekiti State and reaffirm our commitment to initiatives that will drive growth and development in Nigeria.”
The first commercial flight, UN 0622, touched down at exactly 11:00 a.m., where it was received by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor Segun Oni, commissioners, and other dignitaries.
On board the flight were the Permanent Secretary, Yakubu Adam; former Governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi; and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
A second flight, UN 0623, departed for Lagos at 12:13 p.m.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led a delegation of three Senators and six House of Representatives members, commended Governor Oyebanji for unifying past governors toward the development of the state, describing the airport as a catalyst for further economic growth.
Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, represented by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, lauded the governor’s resilience in ensuring full operations at the airport.
He urged the Federal Government to consider establishing a railway line from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and onward to Onitsha, noting that such a link would enhance safe and affordable movement of goods and residents.
Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, praised the state government for providing a conducive operating environment, noting the achievement was possible due to continuity in governance.
“There’s great unity in Ekiti. This is the result you get when one government starts something and another completes it,” he said, pledging that the airline would soon expand flight operations to more states.
Former Governors Segun Oni, Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Kayode Fayemi applauded Governor Oyebanji for sustaining the vision behind the airport and pledged continued support for his administration.
Executive Director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, John Zhao, described the airport as a proud milestone that transforms the area into a fully operational aviation hub.
CCECC Project Manager Joseph Yu credited the success of the runway and road network to the cooperation of the Ekiti State Government and aviation authorities, noting that ongoing reforms continue to raise national aviation standards.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji disclosed the state has so far spent N49.7 billion on the airport, making it one of Ekiti’s largest infrastructure investments.
He explained that the Fayemi administration spent N14 billion between May 2019 and October 2022 on compensation, regulatory approvals, major civil works, aprons, access roads, perimeter fencing, power houses, and initial firefighting equipment.
The governor attributed the success of the project to the contributions of past governors and the financial support of Aare Afe Babalola, whose intervention, he said, accelerated the airport’s operational readiness.
Gbenga Sodeinde
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