Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has positioned the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a significant step toward transforming the state into Nigeria’s agro-allied export hub.
The governor described the approval by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for non-scheduled flight operations as a remarkable New Year’s gift to Ekiti.
In his New Year broadcast aired statewide on radio and television, Oyebanji commended the resilience of Ekiti residents, acknowledging the challenges they have faced while expressing optimism about the opportunities ahead.
He said, “The New Year will see the state witness a massive improvement in food production, infrastructure, and government services like never before in the history of Ekiti.”
Reflecting on the progress made under his administration, Oyebanji added, “We have made remarkable progress in our journey to prosperity in line with our continuity and shared prosperity agenda. The development in the last year has been phenomenally exciting, a fact acknowledged by many.”
The governor assured citizens of brighter economic prospects in 2025, noting that the state had reached a new phase of development with the approval to commence non-scheduled flights at its airport.
“I am proud to announce that Ekiti State Airport is now completed and ready for operation,” he stated. “The Federal Government, through the NCAA, on December 13, 2024, granted the airport a six-month licence to commence non-scheduled flight activities. This six-month period will allow the airport to test its systems and prepare for full operations starting June 15 this year. This, in my view, is the best New Year gift to the people of Ekiti.”
Oyebanji highlighted the strategic importance of the airport, saying, “For us in Ekiti, the commencement of flights at the airport validates our continuity mantra and marks a significant milestone in our strategic vision of linking our state’s economy to the rest of the world. It also expands Ekiti’s economy into a new arena of prosperity and opportunities.
“Our ultimate goal is to become the agro-allied export hub of the country. We are thrilled by the potential this breakthrough presents for our state. We remain optimistic that 2025 will herald a positive economic resurgence for the country, with indicators pointing to increased economic activity, higher incomes, and improved revenues.”
The governor promised significant progress for the state, stating, “In Ekiti, this is our year of accelerated growth in our shared prosperity journey. The state will witness massive improvements in food production, infrastructure, and government services like never before.”
Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation to key stakeholders, including former state governors, deputy governors, National Assembly members, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, for their unwavering support.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the state, along with federal agencies and development partners for their cooperation.
He concluded by acknowledging the contributions of Ekiti residents at home and abroad, whose advice, prayers, and constructive criticisms have been instrumental in shaping his administration’s policies.
