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KAYODE OJO HAILS EKITI AIRPORT COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS, FROWNS AT GOVERNMENT’S DENIAL OF STAKEHOLDERS’ INVOLVEMENT
A leading gubernatorial aspirant for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, Engineer Kayode Ojo, has commended the commencement of commercial flight operations at the newly commissioned Ekiti State Agro-Allied and Cargo Airport.
Engineer Ojo hailed the launch of commercial services as a significant milestone for Ekiti State, promising to unlock immense economic potential, enhance connectivity, and attract investment.
Engineer Ojo, a former Chairman of the Governing Councils for the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, and who until September 26, 2025 was the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, however, strongly criticised the Ekiti State Government’s reported denial of his involvement in the airport project’s development.
He stated that, “The realisation of the Agro-Allied and Cargo Airport project, and the sight of commercial planes touching down and taking off, is a moment of pride for every Ekiti son and daughter.”
“It represents a critical piece of infrastructure that will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, especially in agro-allied industries and tourism.”
While questioning the State Government’s denial of his contribution towards the construction of the Fire Station worth millions of naira and his intention to support development of other landmark structures at the airport and other projects within the state, the APC Governorship Aspirant expressed deep disappointment and bewilderment that such a denial and anti-development approach could deter interested investors.
“It is contradictory and frankly confusing for any government to distance itself from contributions of other Ekiti sons and daughters to this monumental project, regardless of who initiated it or the source of the primary funding,” Ojo added.
He made particular reference to the statement of The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode on August 28, 2025 during the 2025 Press week and public lecture of the state NUJ, when the CPS described Engineer Ojo contribution claims as “false, misleading and self-glorification”. Engineer Ojo advised the CPS to fact-check his claims with the former Project Manager, AVM, Ojuawo now a serving member of the House of Representative who also deserves to be praised for his valuable contributions to the airport project. He stated that even if it is only a bag of cement donated out of pocket it is worth mentioning rather than political blasphemy and fabricated falsehood from the person of the CPS.
In the same breath, Engineer Ojo commended the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for donating navigational equipment worth $1.6 million and constructing a 100-car capacity parking lot valued at N356.7 million.
Above all, he appreciated the current administration for prioritizing spending on this critical project. He also praised the previous administrations in the state for the idea, which was first conceived under Engineer Segun Oni before being advanced by Ayodele Fayose and Dr. Kayode Fayemi to completion.
Engineer Ojo, therefore, urged the current administration to rise above political differences and embrace the airport as a collective asset of the Ekiti people, emphasizing that infrastructure of such magnitude requires robust partnership.
He emphasised that the focus should be on maximizing the airport’s utility and ensuring its sustainability, rather than engaging in debate over contributions and donations.
“The Ekiti Airport is an asset of the people, not a property of any political party or individual.”
The APC leading Governorship Aspirant, who pledged that “joy is coming to Ekitiland soon,” called on all Ekiti sons and daughters, residents, and corporate organisations to fully support the state government by contributing their quota toward ensuring that Ekiti State becomes a well-developed entity enviable of all, as the common good must always supersede political posturing.
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