Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Tuesday inaugurated an 11 -man committee chaired by former Commissioner for Finance, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi to make recommendations and submit white paper that will aid the expansion Alakia Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State capital to international standard.
Makinde had on 26th June 2024, announced that President Bola Tinubu approved the upgrade of the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, to an international airport.
GOALPOACHER quoted Makinde while inaugurating the committee at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, as saying that the vision to upgrade the airport wasn’t a hasty one but rather a well thought out vision driven by science, logic and data.
“We are grateful to God for the opportunity to see this day to start this journey. 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 reason. Our vision for investing on a second comparative advantage of our city to support the comparative advantage in agribusiness is coming together.
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“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. If you take a look at the map pf Nigeria, you will see that Ibadan is a major entry point to Northern Nigeria and even some other states of the southwest.
“We have preliminary data to support this move but 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.
The decision to convert our exiting local airport into an international airport was not a hasty one, we are not engaged in a let-me-do-this-because-other-governors-are -doing-it-competition.
“This is a well thought out decision based on science, logic and data. This vision is already four years old and we laid the groundwork in our first tenure We have completed the 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility which has been concessioned to Bovas Group. We have also upgraded part of the facilities which increased the number of airlines including Ibadan in their flight schedules.
“As I said earlier in my newsletter on this issue, this is a strategic investment and posterity will smile on us for opting to upgrade the Ibadan Airport Alakia to an international airport.
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;
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
Other members of the committee include;
Engr. Ayo Opasanya
Arc. Wale Okubadejo
Arc. Oluyomi Onilude
Ms Seyi Akinbohun
Mr Ademola Aderinto.
“This committee will be playing a crucial role in our making history. So, I urge you all to bring your A game to the table to ensure this project is a success.
I will now be inaugurating this Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee to the glory of God and the benefit of the good people of Oyo State.
Thank you and God bless you.”
The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Secretary to State Government, Professor Olanike, Chief of Staff, Hon Segun Ogunwuyi, Commissioners among other government functionaries.
