Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his commitment to revive and complete the nearly 12-year-old Osun Airport project, aiming to eliminate Osun as the only state in the South West without an airport.
Adeleke made this announcement during the flag-off of the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to Ladoke Akintola International Airport, where Governor Seyi Makinde referred to the project as “economically viable and sustainable.”
Commending Makinde as “a man of vision and a passionate agent of development,” Adeleke said, “We are pushing ahead with a very ambitious governance agenda. We are building roads, bridges, and flyovers. We are upgrading schools, health centers, and revitalizing agriculture.”
Adeleke noted that Osun has become “a huge construction site,” emphasizing a local content policy to bolster the local economy, create jobs, and promote skills acquisition. He expressed his eagerness to transition Osun into an agro-industrial, export-oriented economy, likening his drive to that of Makinde, whom he called the “Mr. Actualiser” of Oyo State.
“I am pleased to announce that our government has finalized plans to complete the nearly 12-year-old Osun Airport project,” Adeleke stated. “Our airport vision now includes a cargo terminal and a free trade zone under a public-private partnership arrangement.”
He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the development of the aviation sector in Osun. “I salute the Honourable Minister of Aviation for his supportive role for Osun and other states. We thank the Minister for backing our vision to tap into the multi-trillion dollar global aviation industry,” Adeleke said to a gathering of dignitaries.
At the event, Makinde described the upgrade as “a strategic investment” that will be delivered on time and within budget. He mentioned that investors have already expressed interest in the project and noted that the upgrade’s first phase would include a technical expansion of facilities.
Makinde assured attendees that the upgrade would take one year, not one and a half years, and promised adequate funding for early completion. He expressed confidence in the contractor, Craneburg, and stated that the cost of the first phase is estimated at 41 billion naira.
