Oyebanji writes Afe Babalola as flight operations begin at Ekiti airport

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has written to the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, to notify him of the commencement of flight operations at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and to appreciate his financial support for the actualisation of the airport.

The letter, titled Letter of Appreciation and dated December 18, was personally delivered to the legal icon at the ABUAD campus by the governor on Thursday.

Recall that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted a license to the Ekiti State Government to commence non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport for six months, from December 13, 2024, to June 15, 2025.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I am delighted to formally express our heartfelt appreciation 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 December 11, 2024, we obtained clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to commence non-scheduled flight operations for six months, from December 13, 2024, to June 15, 2025.

“Your financial contribution for the purchase of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), control tower communications equipment, and the construction of the car park was invaluable to this accomplishment, and we are immensely grateful for your willingness to help.

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“Sir, I wish to notify you that the NCAA has outlined conditions for the actualization of full commercial flight operation status, which includes the installation of an 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.”

Responding to the letter, Babalola remarked that it was a good beginning, noting:

“If things had been like this three years ago, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I thank Your Excellency for your commitment to this Airport Project. I thank you for all you have been doing and are still doing.

“Without a viable and functional transportation system, a state or country is doomed. When America was discovered, there were no roads. But gradually and eventually, the whole area was tarred, and it evolved into a state (country) that is now a clear leader in the comity of nations.

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“You know as much as I do that people can’t come to Ekiti because of the bad road network. As a matter of fact, many organizations that promised to come and invest in Ekiti State cannot actualize their dream because the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked, and industry-locked. But all that is 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. When people are gainfully employed, there will be no hunger. When there is no hunger, there will be no anger. And when there is no anger, there will be no violence.

“When you assumed the mantle of leadership of the ship of the state, you promised that the airport would become a reality. By the grace of God and your determination to fulfil your promise, the Ekiti State Airport has become a reality.

“I will pass the news that Ekiti Airport has become a reality to the world. We will cooperate with you to make Ekiti State one of the best and safest states to operate and invest in the country. We will support you in all ways.”