Rainstorm: Aiyedatiwa assesses damage at Akure Airport, donates fire trucks

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the damage caused by the rainstorm that destroyed the control terminal of the Akure Airport and buildings within the premises as devastating.

While assessing the destruction that occurred two days ago, Aiyedatiwa commended the swift response of the Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in addressing the situation.

With flight operations disrupted and critical infrastructure damaged, the rainstorm, with wind speeds recorded at approximately 65 knots, caused severe destruction to various airport facilities, including the terminal building and control tower.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting the affected areas of the airport, Aiyedatiwa stated that “the manager of the airport and the contractor have been working at the new terminal. We are here to look at the state of the airport after the storm of two nights ago.

“It’s so devastating, and so much damage has been caused. From the airspace manager, we were informed that about 65 knots were the strength of that wind, which is very strong and has caused so much damage to the infrastructure here.

“I want to commend the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the quick response by deploying his men to attend to this so that the airport can be brought back to operation as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, the governor announced the donation of a fire truck to the airport while promising additional support to bring the airport back to full operations.

Following discussions with the management of the airport, Aiyedatiwa confirmed that flight operations are expected to resume at the airport next week, based on assurances from aviation authorities, as opposed to the earlier notification of a three-month suspension of operations.

“A lot of work has started at the terminal building and the control tower, and we’ve been given assurance that by Sunday, flight operations will resume here at the airport.”

The governor further reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the repair process in any way necessary to ensure the airport reopens on schedule.

The manager of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Samuel Famuyiwa, reassured the public that the situation was under control.