BY LAW IBITOYE
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikole-Ekiti, Otunba Adesola Adeboro, has applauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for recording another historic milestone as the first commercial flight landed at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
In a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Otunba Adeboro described the commencement of commercial flight operations as a testament to Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and passion for advancing the socio-economic wellbeing of Ekiti people.
He noted that the realization of the cargo airport project, which successfully received a United Nigeria Airlines aircraft (registration number 5N-BWY) with about 50 passengers at exactly 11:09 am, has positioned Ekiti State for unprecedented economic transformation.
According to him, the airport will not only boost the state’s economy but also enhance regional connectivity, attract investors, expand trade opportunities, and significantly strengthen the agricultural value chain. He stressed that the cargo component of the airport is particularly crucial, as it would:
Enable faster movement of farm produce to national and international markets,
reduce post-harvest losses for farmers, attract agro-processing industries and export-oriented businesses.
He added that the airport would promote tourism through improved accessibility, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across aviation, hospitality, logistics, and commerce. Increase internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state and open Ekiti to domestic and global partnerships
Otunba Adeboro praised Governor Oyebanji’s ingenuity in completing the airport and ensuring its operational readiness, describing the achievement as “a giant stride that places Ekiti on the map of states with aviation-driven economies.”
He also extended appreciation to former governors—Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Ayodele Fayose, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Engr. Segun Oni—as well as Senators, House of Representatives members, and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the project.
Dignitaries on board the historic flight included the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, and Ayodele Fayose; members of the National Assembly; Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam; and former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatola, among others.
While congratulating residents for witnessing a new chapter in Ekiti’s development journey, Otunba Adeboro assured them that the state is in safe and capable hands under Governor Oyebanji.
He urged the people of Ekiti State to continue supporting the governor ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election, emphasizing that Ekiti’s progress cannot be slowed down.
In his words: “Ekiti is a progressive state, competing favourably with others across the federation. The progressive wheel of Ekiti cannot be stagnant or retrogress. It is forward ever, backward never.”