Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, declared on Wednesday that with the newly developed Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, the state is on track to becoming Nigeria’s leading agro-allied export hub.
Speaking in his New Year address, broadcast statewide, the governor expressed optimism that 2025 would usher in a period of unprecedented progress in food production, infrastructure, and government services, marking a historic transformation for the state.
Governor Oyebanji highlighted the recent approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti State Airport, which he described as the ideal New Year gift for the people of Ekiti.
The approval came on December 13, 2024, with a six-month license for non-scheduled flights, serving as a test phase before full operational activities are launched on June 15, 2025.
“The Ekiti State Airport is now completed and ready for operations,” Oyebanji proudly announced.
“The commencement of non-scheduled flights signifies a major step toward connecting Ekiti’s economy to the global stage. This is an exciting development that opens up vast opportunities for Ekiti.”
The governor emphasised that the airport’s operational status was a significant milestone in the state’s vision of becoming the agro-allied export hub of Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that this achievement, combined with further infrastructural and economic advancements, would boost the state’s agricultural production capacity and stimulate economic growth in the coming year.
Looking ahead, Oyebanji stressed that Ekiti’s progress would not be limited to the airport but would also encompass broader improvements in food production, infrastructure, and governance.
He expressed confidence that 2025 would see a resurgence in economic activity across Nigeria, contributing to higher incomes and improved revenues for the state.
The governor took the opportunity to thank a wide array of stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and the diaspora community, for their ongoing support and commitment to the state’s development.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for their assistance in the state’s progress.
