From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde said the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard and Ibadan Circular Road projects are dear to his government and important for the expansion of the state economy.
The governor promised to deliver part of the airport project and the 32km East Wing segment of Ibadan Circular Road in the current year.
Makinde stated this yesterday at the 2025 thanksgiving service of Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan.
He noted that his administration would do more for the people in 2025, adding that Ibadan Airport, when upgraded, would be viable and will compete favourably with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The governor equally reiterated that his tenure would be remembered for building lasting infrastructure and institutions in the state.
According to him, Nigerians will survive the current economic hardship because tough people are wont to outlast tough times.
“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 there and, yesterday I saw with my eyes how airplanes were being refueled in our airport in Ibadan.
“So, we have removed one of the obstacles. We are also extending the runway so that a Boeing 787 will be able to land in the airport,” he said
Makinde also urged residents to be ready to be held responsible for their actions as, according to him, government will enforce the rule of law across different sectors.
Earlier in his sermon, the Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Taiwo Adelakun called for continuous support for government through prayers so that it can deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
