HEADLINE: Oyo Governor Embarks on Ambitious Plans to Upgrade Ibadan Airport to International Standard

SUBHEADLINE: Governor Seyi Makinde Vows to Deliver $112 Million Project in 12 Months, Pledge to Support PDP in Edo Governorship Election

Ibadan, Nigeria – Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has flagged off a major infrastructure development project in the state by breaking ground for the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Alakia, Ibadan. The governor described the project as a strategic investment that would connect the state to the global market, improve the ease of doing business, and position Ibadan as a true regional business hub.

The upgrade project, valued at N41 billion ($112 million), has been awarded to Messrs Craneburg, a reputable construction company. The project, which is expected to be completed in the next 12 months, will involve the upgrade of the airport’s runway, airfield lighting, terminal, and other critical facilities.

Governor Makinde also used the occasion to address the economic hardship faced by the people of the state, assuring them that his administration will only fight poverty and not poor people. He revealed that his government has taken an important decision to pause the implementation of the Presumptive Tax Law, passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly, until further notice.

In a veiled reference to his counterparts in other states, the governor urged politicians to prioritize the welfare of their people and not to prioritize personal interests. He also appealed to residents of Edo State to support the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Asue Ighodalo, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The project, which is the brainchild of Governor Makinde’s administration, has the potential to transform the state’s economy and provide job opportunities for the teeming population. The upgrade will also enable the state to compete favorably with other states in the country.

KEY QUOTES:

• "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 and positioning Ibadan as a true regional business hub."
• "We know times are hard and Nigerians are hungry and angry. But in Oyo State, we have control over what we can do here. I will sign it into law, but we will not implement it for now."
• "I am also glad that our Acting National Chairman and members of his National Working Committee are here. I was reading yesterday that there was another meeting in Bauchi. Let me say clearly that we are 100 per cent in support of the Damagun-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party."

ATTENDEES:

• Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal
• Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Damagum
• PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja
• Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari
• Former deputy governors, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi
• Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and members of the House
• Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima and other top judicial officers
• Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo
• Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi
• Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni) and other government functionaries.

This development has the potential to significantly improve the economic outlook of the state and position Ibadan as a major hub in the region. With the upgrade, the state is expected to attract more investments, create job opportunities, and boost economic activities.