Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday visited Akure Airport to assess the devastation caused by a powerful rainstorm that struck two days ago, severely disrupting flight operations and damaging key infrastructure.
Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the storm, recorded at wind speeds of approximately 65 knots, inflicted significant damage on airport facilities, including the terminal building and control tower.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the affected areas, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the destruction as extensive, emphasising the impact on operations.
However, he commended the swift intervention of the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in addressing the situation.
“The airport manager and the contractor have been working on the new terminal, and we are here to assess the extent of the damage. The storm was devastating, with winds reaching about 65 knots, causing extensive destruction to infrastructure,” the governor stated.
READ ALSO: How Anambra lawmaker’s murder suspects escaped – Police
He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo for his prompt response in deploying personnel to restore the airport’s functionality.
As part of his administration’s immediate support, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the donation of a fire truck to the airport while promising additional assistance to fast-track restoration efforts.
Following discussions with airport management, the governor confirmed that flight operations are expected to resume next week, contrary to earlier reports suggesting a three-month suspension.
“A lot of work is already ongoing at the terminal building and control tower, and we’ve been assured that flight operations will resume by Sunday,” he added.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting repair efforts to ensure a swift reopening of the airport.
Despite initial concerns, Engr. Samuel Famuyiwa, Manager of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), reassured the public that the damage was not as severe as initially feared and that restoration efforts were progressing well.
READ ALSO: Shettima returns to Nigeria after WEF 2025 engagements
Governor Aiyedatiwa was accompanied on the visit by Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing Engr. Abiola Olawoye, Kolawole Ologede (Ondo State House of Assembly – Akure North Constituency), and Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Ogunbolude Johnson, among other officials.
