Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced that the ongoing upgrade of the Ibadan Airport, now renamed Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, will cost N41 billion.
The governor made this known during the project’s official flag-off ceremony at the airport in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024.
In expressing his gratitude, Makinde highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the Ibadan airport upgrade.
According to Makinde, a letter was sent to the President requesting the upgrade, and Tinubu graciously approved the project, emphasising that it would come at no cost to the federal government.
He said, ”We especially thank our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because he signed this. I wrote a letter to him, I said please, allow us to upgrade Ibadan airport, and he graciously approved it. He said at no cost to the federal government of Nigeria.”
Makinde explained that the upgrade, expected to be completed within 12 months, is a significant part of his administration’s plan to transform Ibadan into a regional business hub.
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According to him, the project will enhance transportation infrastructure, boost economic activities, and attract investments to the state.
The governor said, “Our focus is on fighting poverty, not the poor. This project represents a strategic investment in the future of our state, despite tough economic times.”
He further noted that modernising the airport is essential for connecting Oyo State to the global economy and supporting both business and leisure travel.
The project, which involves extending the runway and upgrading airport facilities, is aimed at positioning Oyo State for long-term economic growth and development.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was a special guest at the event, praised Makinde’s commitment to infrastructure development and expressed interest in exploring collaborative opportunities between Oyo and Osun states.
Representing the Minister of Aviation, the acting Manager of the SLA Airport, Francis Balogun, highlighted that the upgrade would create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and attract further investment.
TheWitness