Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated that his administration will continue to invest on projects that are of comparative advantage to the state in order to support his vision of sustainable development.
He maintained that the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, to an international standard is the second comparative advantage that his administration is exploring towards expanding the economy of the state.
The governor stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating an 11-man Ibadan Airport Upgrade Project Committee, headed by a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to the governor, his administration invested in the development of agribusiness, which is the first comparative advantage of the state, noting that the upgrade of the airport will support agribusiness and contribute to the overall expansion of Oyo State’s economy.
The governor explained that the decision to upgrade Ibadan Airport was taken based on science, logic and data and that it is a strategic investment that will endure, adding that it has been part of his plans since the inception of his administration.
Recall that the state government constructed a 500,000 litre Aviation Fuel Storage and Dispensing Facility, built a new VIP Lounge and also donated a Fire Truck and Pickup Van to the airport as part of measures to upgrade the facility.
He said: “Today marks another important milestone in the history of Oyo State, as we inaugurate the committee that will work towards the actualisation of the Ibadan Airport upgrade.
“They will start with the preliminary activities before the groundbreaking ceremony for an international standard airport in Ibadan.
“We are all excited about this and for good reasons. Our vision for investing on a second comparative advantage of our city to support the comparative advantage in agribusiness is coming together.
“Historically, Ibadan is a nodal city. It was a meeting point for commercial activities and also a stopover as people went to other parts of the country. That was how Ibadan developed. If you take a look at the map of Nigeria, you will see that Ibadan is a major entry point to the Northern part of Nigeria and even some other states of the South-West.
“We have preliminary data to support this move and part of the work this committee will be doing is providing us with the definite numbers through a comprehensive passenger data analysis and ensuring that all the groundwork is laid to fulfil requirements for building an international airport as stipulated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“They will also be carrying out all other stakeholder engagements needed to make this project a success.
“Other vital roles they will be playing include: preconstruction activities such as contractor selection and mobilisation, overseeing procurements, site clearing activities and ensuring that everything is ready for the project’s commencement. Thereafter, they will continue to oversee the execution of the project until it is completed.”
Makinde explained that the decision to convert the local airport into an international one was not hasty but a well-thought-out decision based on science, logic and data.
He added, “We have done the ground work in our first tenure. We have completed the 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, which has been concessioned to BOVAS Group; a local company in Ibadan here. So, we patronise our local businesses.
“We have also upgraded part of the facilities, which increased the number of airlines that have included Ibadan in their flight schedules. When we came in, we only had one airline with a regular flight coming to Ibadan. But now, we have regular flights and I have seen activities growing around the airport. So, we are convinced that this project is going to be one that will endure.
“As I said earlier in my newsletter on this issue, this is a strategic investment and I believe posterity will smile on us for opting to upgrade the Ibadan Airport Alakia to an international airport.”
The governor noted that the committee put together by the state comprises the best of the best in various fields, urging them to bring their wealth of experience to bear in making history for the state.
“We have put together a team of people with the required expertise to deliver on this project. Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State will chair this committee; Alhaji Kabir Yusuf, a former Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Dr Wale Babalakin, an entrepreneur and legal luminary who has done this in the past.
“We also have three officers from the Nigerian Air Force on this committee including Air Commodore Ajiboye, an expert in airport management, airport operational efficiency and security; Wing Commander Onyedima, an expert in runway construction and maintenance; Squadron Leader Sheu, currently studying for his PhD in Transportation Engineering.
“I believe we have assembled the best of the best. It has nothing to do with politics or nepotism or tribalism. We want to thank you all for accepting to support us on this project,” he added.
The committee members are Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi (chairman); former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Alhaji Kabir Yusuf; a legal luminary, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, OFR; Air Commodore Ajiboye; Wing Commander Onyedima; Squadron Leader Sheu; Engr. Ayo Opasanya; Arc. Wale Okubadejo; Arc. Oluyomi Onilude; Ms Seyi Akinbohun and Mr Ademola Aderinto.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government; Professor Olanike Adeyemo; and the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, among other top government functionaries.
