Ekiti State on Wednesday recorded a historic milestone as the first commercial aircraft landed at the newly completed Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti. Governor Biodun Oyebanji led top dignitaries to receive the United Nigeria Airlines aircraft, marking the official commencement of commercial flight operations in the state.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-BWY, touched down at 11:09 a.m. carrying about 50 passengers, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, three former governors—Dr Kayode Fayemi, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Dr Ayodele Fayose—as well as members of the National Assembly from Ekiti, and the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, among other dignitaries.
They were received by Governor Oyebanji; his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; former Governor Segun Oni; and other senior government officials.
A ₦49bn Investment in Ekiti’s Future
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Oyebanji revealed that the state had invested ₦49.7 billion in the construction of the airport, describing it as a transformative infrastructure project that would expand Ekiti’s economic horizon.
He said the airport would play a strategic role in boosting agro-export, strengthening value chains, reducing post-harvest losses, and opening new opportunities in tourism, commerce and investment.
“This moment is more than the commissioning of commercial flight operations; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ekiti’s development journey,” the governor said. “The airport is a legacy built across administrations, and a testament to the power of continuity.”
Oyebanji paid special tribute to former governors Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose, and especially Kayode Fayemi, who initiated and advanced the project, saying their collective commitment made the airport a reality.
Tribute to Tinubu, Afe Babalola, Aviation Ministry
The governor expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s economic reforms and support for sub-national governments made the completion of the airport possible.
He also lauded legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his significant contributions—including the donation of navigational equipment valued at $1.6 million and the construction of a 100-car capacity parking facility, valued at ₦356 million.
Oyebanji further commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for his guidance and support throughout the project.
Opening Ekiti to the World
The governor urged Ekiti residents, businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs and young professionals to take advantage of the new connectivity to grow their ventures, attract investment and expand market access.
“With this airport, we are bringing global markets closer to our people,” Oyebanji said, adding that air transport would accelerate trade, create jobs and enhance the state’s competitiveness.
Federal Government, Former Governors, Applaud Milestone
Representing the Minister of Aviation, the Permanent Secretary praised the project as a landmark achievement that would open fresh economic pathways for Ekiti and the nation.
Former governors Segun Oni, Kayode Fayemi, Ayodele Fayose and Niyi Adebayo, in their goodwill messages, highlighted the roles they played during various stages of the project and commended Oyebanji for steering it to completion.
United Nigeria Airlines Pledges Quality Service
United Nigeria Airlines Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, expressed gratitude to the people and government of Ekiti State for trusting the airline to operate the maiden flight. He announced plans for additional routes that would enable passengers to fly directly from Ekiti to other major cities beyond Lagos and Abuja.
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