Oyebanji promises Ekiti ’ll create economy for aviation-related services

• Air Force base to bolster response to security challenges in S’West, says Amao
• Gov hails Supreme Court judgment re-affirming his election
• Extends hands of fellowship to SDP candidate, Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, has said that his administration will soon create an aviation economy where aviation-related services, such as aircraft maintenance, repair and operation, aviation hospital, aviation training, cargo handling and tourism marketing, among others, would be provided.

The governor gave the assurance, yesterday, during the turning of the sod for the construction of Nigerian Air Force operational base in Ekiti State. He said: “The decision to have an airport in our state is primarily for economic, security and tourism development. We need to open and connect our economy to the rest of the world.

“As an agrarian economy, one of the ways to expand our economy is to connect our farm produce to the international market and develop new frontiers of economic opportunities.”

In his welcome address, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, said that the proposed Nigerian Air Force Base in Ekiti State would provide operational support services to NAF platforms operating in the South-West geo-political zone of Nigeria and bolster response to security challenges in Ekiti, as well as, other states from the zone.

MEANWHILE, Oyebanji, yesterday, hailed the verdict of the Supreme Court that reaffirmed his election as governor of the state. He described the verdict as a victory for democracy and the good people of Ekiti State who voted for him.

The governor, who spoke with journalists in Ado-Ekiti shortly after laying the foundation for the Nigerian Air Force Base, restated his belief that his election as governor was God-ordained and actualised by majority votes of the people of the state.

He also said that his respect for Chief Segun Oni, a former chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), remained intact. Oyebanji, while urging the SDP candidate to join him in the development of the state, having explored all judicial processes available, commended the Nigerian judiciary for being professional and for bringing an end to the litigation.

He also appreciated the good people of Ekiti State for their prayers all through the different stages of the judicial battle.