Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has described the Federal Government’s approval of an agro-allied cargo airport in Ekiti as the best thing to happen to the state in the outgoing year 2024.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently granted license to the Ekiti state government to commence non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport for six months, from Dec. 13, to June 15, 2025.
Babalola said this after receiving a letter of appreciation from Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti for his role in the realisation of the airport project, on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.
The founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) said that the development was a good beginning, stressing “if things had been like these some three years ago, Ekiti would not be where it is today.
” I thank Your Excellency for your commitment to this airport project. I thank you for all you have been doing, and still doing.
“Without a viable and functional transportation system, a state, a country is doomed.
” When America was discovered, there were no roads, but gradually and eventually, the whole area was tarred, and the whole area evolved to becoming a state (country) that is a clear leader in the comity of nations today,” he said.
Babalola said that a major constraint to people coming to Ekiti was due to bad road network.
” As a matter of fact, many organisations that promised to come and invest in Ekiti State cannot actualise their dream because the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked and industry-locked.
“But all is now beginning to change, and it will change to the advantage of all of us.
“With this airport, there will be many job opportunities for our people. People coming, in and out of the state, will buy from our various markets,” he said.
The ABUAD founder assured the governor of the support of the people to make Ekiti one of the best and safest states to operate and invest in the country.
“We will support you in all ways,” Babalola said.
NAN reports that the letter, titled: “Letter of Appreciation”, and dated December 18, was personally delivered to Babalola at the ABUAD campus by the governor on Thursday.
The letter reads: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I am delighted to formally express our heartfelt appreciation to you sir, for the assistance you provided to the Ekiti State Government, during the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
“I am delighted to inform you that on 11th December, 2024, we obtained clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to commence non-scheduled flight operations for 6 months from 13 December 2024 to 15 June 2025.
“Your financial contribution for the purchase of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), control tower communications equipment, and the construction of the car pack, was invaluable to the accomplishment, and we are immensely grateful for your willingness to help
“Sir, I wish to notify you that the NCAA has outlined conditions for the actualisation of the full commercial flight operation status, which includes installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS), to enhance the flight operational capacity of the airport and we will count on your unflinching support.
“Once again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to our shared passion and goals of development and prosperity for our dear Ekiti State.
” You are highly appreciated sir, and please accept the assurances of my best wishes, as always.” (NAN)