As part of Oyo State Government?s ongoing effort to upgrade the Samuel Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, to international standard, Oyo State governor, ?Seyi Makinde, on Friday, turned the sod for a new Terminal Building that will accommodate at least one million passengers annually.

Chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee and former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, who performed the foundation-laying ceremony, said the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial component of the airport upgrade plan.

He maintained that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Construction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of Governor Makinde.

Recall that in September 2024, the Oyo State governor launched the first phase of the airport upgrade project with the extension of the runway to 3,000 metres to meet international standards and regulatory requirements to accommodate larger aircraft.

The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with Adekanmbi stating that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria.

He said: ?Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation landscape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportunity, growth, connectivity- the commencement of the construction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.

?This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde.

?It is crucial to recognise the pivotal role airports play in the advancement of any region. They are not mere transportation hubs but essential catalysts for economic development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

?In Oyo State, we are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who understands the far-reaching impact of such investments. Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Makinde, Oyo State is poised to take a bold leap forward.

?His Excellency has championed the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, not just as an infrastructural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense economic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest region.

"His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his profound commitment to enhancing our state's connectivity, is embodied in this grand project.

"Governor Makinde's foresight and dedication to ensuring a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance.

?His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sustainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, prosperity, and pride for us all."

Adekanmbi, who stated that the government had made tremendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explained that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annually, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000.

?This initiative goes beyond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient, and world-class airport that enhances the overall travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo State.

?With Governor Seyi Makinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becoming a reality.

"The Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its dedication to improving infrastructure, fostering economic opportunities, and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical structures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens.

"With Governor Seyi Makinde leading the way, we are confident that the best is yet to come," he added.

Earlier, the chairman of the Airport Communities, Dr Duro Ogunsesan, hailed Governor Makinde for giving the airport a massive facelift, noting that the governor has been transforming the state.

Also speaking, the Senior Manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf, said the project will be delivered on time, while the Site Engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, explained the success so far recorded on the upgrade of the airport runway.

Earlier, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Engr. Adejare Abiola, who represented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport.

"We want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the state for what he has been doing. He has been supporting us. He has donated project vehicles for security patrol.

"Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the Airport.

"I want to also thank the host community who have been good neighbours to us and, at the same time, appeal to them on the excavation that is ongoing around our perimeter fence.

"By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification, and some of the things they are going to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence," the FAAN chairman said.

Similarly, the Airport Manager, Mr Francis Balogun, commended the state government on the ongoing upgrade of the airport.

Representatives of various airlines operating from the airport, including Air Peace, Green Africa, Overland as well as the representative of BOVAS, which operates the 500,000-litre Aviation Fuel Facility earlier constructed by the state government, also lauded the state government on the project.

In his vote of thanks, a member of the Airport Upgrade Committee, who is also the Commander of the National Air Defence Corps, Nigeria Air Force, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshall Victor Ajiboye, commended Governor Makinde "for his unwavering commitment to the development of Oyo State."

He also lauded the members of the committee on their hard work, which he noted had been pivotal in driving the project forward, charging them to continue to work together with the same spirit, collaboration and determination.

In attendance at the event were the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof Dahud Shangodoyin; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; and Director-General of the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency (OYSIPA), Mr Olatilewa Folami.

Other members of the Airport Upgrade Committee in attendance included Ms Sheyifunmi Peace Akinbohun (secretary); Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed; and Engr. Ademola Aderinto, among others.

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