In another push to modernize the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, The Oyo State Government has donated four operational vehicles to support key departments at the facility.
The gesture is part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s ongoing effort to upgrade the airport to international standards.
The vehicles were formally handed over to the airport management by the Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Project, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, who noted that the donation reflects the state government’s practical commitment to improving aviation infrastructure.
Adekanmbi explained that the four vehicles were allocated to essential departments such as the Aviation Security, the Nigeria Police Force Airport Command, Airport Operations, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in order to strengthen their efficiency and ensure seamless airport operations.
“We cannot rely on the Federal Government or FAAN alone. These vehicles are to enhance operations as part of the airport’s upgrade initiative. The state government is doing this to demonstrate its determination to make the airport truly live up to its name as an international airport,” Adekanmbi stated.
Providing an update on the ongoing upgrade works, Adekanmbi revealed that the runway has been fully completed, paving the way for the resumption of local flights very soon.
He added that the international terminal is about 35 percent complete, with the contractor expected to deliver the project by September 2026, after which international flight operations will commence.
“For now, the airport is ready for local flight business. This donation ensures there are no operational or security gaps as we move closer to full international status,” he said.
In his remarks, the Airport Manager, Mr. Oluwagbenga Afiwape, who represented the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his continuous support.
“Governor Makinde has done remarkably well for this airport,” Afiwape said. “This gesture further proves he is a leader who understands the task of development.”
Similarly, the Manager of NAMA at the airport, Mr. Famosinpe Gbenga, commended the timing of the donation, describing it as “a much-needed boost” for operational efficiency.
The Airport Chief Security Officer, Mr. Victor Adeya, also lauded the governor, calling the gesture a “defining moment in the partnership between FAAN and the Oyo State Government.”
“This collaboration has brought about visible transformation and development around the airport,” Adeya said, thanking the governor for his sustained interventions.
