‘Why Ibadan Airport, Circular Road projects are strategic to Oyo’s economic turnaround’

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, offered reasons why the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standards, and the Ibadan Circular Road projects were strategic in setting the state economy on an accelerated trajectory.

Makinde, who said the projects were dear to his government and quite important for the expansion of the state’s economy, pledged to deliver part of the airport project and the 32-kilometre East Wing segment of the Ibadan Circular Road in the current year.

The governor spoke at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan.

He pledged that his administration would do more for the people of the state this year, adding that the Ibadan Airport, when upgraded, would be viable and compete favourably with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Makinde reiterated that his tenure would be remembered for building lasting infrastructure and institutions in the state.

He expressed hope that Nigerians would survive the current economic hardship, stating that tough people are willing to outlast tough times.

Makinde said: “I have always said that when I leave office, I do not want to be remembered just for the projects.

“But some projects are dear to my heart. These include the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international standard. Some people have said it is not a viable project because Ibadan is close to Lagos. That is true, but Ibadan Airport should have been an alternative airport to Lagos from day one.

“When we came in, there was no storage and fuel dispensing facility at the airport. How will it be viable if planes cannot come and refuel in this place? Now, we have put the aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility in there and, yesterday, I saw with my eyes how the aeroplane was being refuelled in our airport in Ibadan.

“So, we have removed one of the obstacles that have been making the airport not to be viable. We are also extending the runway so that a Boeing 787 will be able to land at the airport shortly.

“We made a terminal that is only good for 100,000 people yearly. We are now building a new terminal that can take over one million passengers through that airport. With what we are doing, Ibadan Airport will be viable, and would compete with Lagos Airport.”

He urged residents to be held responsible for their actions, as according to him, the government would enforce the rule of law across different sectors.

Earlier in his thanksgiving sermon, the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, sought continued support for the government through prayers so it could deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.