The Ekiti State Government has dismissed claims by All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Kayode Ojo, that he donated a fire service station worth N80 million to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport project.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, made the clarification during the 2025 Press Week and Annual Public Lecture of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

Oyebode described Ojo’s claim, made earlier in the week by his campaign organisation, as “false, misleading and designed for self-glorification.”

He stressed that government records do not indicate any such donation by Ojo, adding that the only known personal contribution to the airport project was made by the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).

“I can say categorically that the claim by Engr. Ojo on that fire station, is incorrect and baseless. Available records in the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Technical Adviser on the Airport Project show no evidence of such a contribution.

“The fire station at the airport was completed in July 2024, fully paid for by the government,” Oyebode said.

He challenged Ojo to produce receipts, evidence of payment, or details of any official who received the alleged donation on behalf of the state, if his claim was genuine.

According to him, the airport project remains a government-driven initiative to grow the state’s agro-economy and open Ekiti to global opportunities.

He urged political aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns and present verifiable records of their contributions to the state’s development rather than making “unsubstantiated claims.”

“Many of those aspiring to govern Ekiti have not contributed meaningfully to the development of their local communities, let alone the state. It is not enough to make unverified claims during electioneering. The people deserve evidence of genuine service,” Oyebode stated.

He also advised journalists to thoroughly fact-check politicians’ statements before publication, especially as the state approaches the next governorship election.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including former Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Taiwo Olatunbosun; and the representative of the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, among others.