President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of Ibadan Airport in the Alakia area of the Oyo State capital to an international airport.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this while receiving the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, in Ibadan on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Makinde said Tinubu’s approval had made his administration’s efforts to have the airport upgraded to become a reality.

He stated that the upgrading project, which would begin in the next three weeks, would include the construction of a new terminal, runway and other structural features.

“The project will be handled by experts and delivered to standard,” the governor said.

Makinde noted that he had identified the need for the airport’s upgrade to be central to his economic expansion agenda.

On developmental projects by his government, Makinde said his administration spent the last five years turning around the state’s economy.

He added: “Our government’s resolve to build infrastructure which targets the economic expansion agenda has also seen it investing resources on the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road.

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“This administration will consider the Air Force’s request for land for its post-retirement housing scheme on the Circular Road corridor.”

Governor Makinde appreciated the Chief of Air Staff for Air Force officers’ efforts in working with sister security agencies to secure Oyo State.

He urged that the cordial relationship between the Air Force and the people of the state be maintained.

Makinde equally noted that his administration has remained committed to working with the Air Force to deliver the Air Force Base in Ajia, Ibadan.

He assured Abubakar that his promise of a speedy completion of the road that leads to the base would be kept.

On his part, the Chief of Air Staff described Makinde as a visionary leader, thanking him for his support to the Air Force.

He noted that the acquisition of 60 hectares of land for the Air Force Base at Ajia and the provision of security operational vehicles were commendable efforts of the governor.

Abubakar acknowledged the governor’s focus on economic development and enhancing security in the state, saying: “The Air Force will continue to support Oyo State and also build on the mutual relationship with the state.”

The Star