Special Adviser on Media to Ekiti State Governor, Yinka Oyebode, has denied insinuations and media reports that the state’s airport project has been abandoned, saying that the airport would soon begin operations.
He said that the navigational aids equipment, which is a major requirement for commencement of operation, had been procured and would soon be fixed.
He also said that certification by relevant aviation authorities, which is also a major factor for commercial operation of the airport, is ongoing.
Oyebode said the clarification became necessary because of the report published by The Guardian on Friday, May 17, 2024, with the headline: “Legacy of waste: Abandoned projects dot S’West amid push of scarce resources to new ones.” In this report, Ekiti Airport was mentioned among abandoned projects in the region.
He noted that the report acknowledged that there is Ekiti Transition Law, signed by the former governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, which made the state to become the first to prevent incumbent governor from abandoning projects inherited from his predecessor, adding that “it is on record that Fayemi completed most of the projects initiated by his predecessors and did not leave any project abandoned.
He said: “The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration, in line with its continuity and shared prosperity mantra, has completed most of the projects inherited from Fayemi’s administration, adding that the airport would open for commercial operation once the certification process is completed and the navigational equipment installed.
“Airport project is not a two-year project for a state with lean resources like Ekiti. Nigerians have witnessed aircraft landing at the airport, hence dispelling doubts about its viability.
“The work done by Fayemi has continued under the current administration to strengthen continuity.”
