The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport officially began commercial flight operations on Wednesday, heralding a “new era of aviation development in Nigeria,” according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Yakubu Adam, Keyamo described the inaugural flight, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, as a historic milestone for both Ekiti State and the nation’s aviation sector.
He commended the state government for delivering an airport aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising its potential to create jobs and expand infrastructure.
“History is made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight. This airport is a practical example of the President’s vision for job creation and sustainable development.
”We congratulate the governor of Ekiti State and reaffirm our commitment to initiatives that will drive growth across Nigeria,” Keyamo said.
The first commercial flight, UN 0622, landed at 11:00 a.m., receiving a warm welcome from Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former governors Segun Oni, Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, commissioners, and other dignitaries.
Onboard were the Permanent Secretary, Adam, and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. A second flight, UN 0623, departed for Lagos at 12:13 p.m.
Senate Leader Bamidele, leading a delegation of lawmakers, praised Governor Oyebanji for uniting past administrations toward the state’s development.
Bamidele described the airport as a catalyst for economic growth.
Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), represented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Smaranda Olarinde, lauded the governor’s persistence in ensuring the airport’s operational readiness and called for a railway link connecting Osogbo, Ado-Ekiti, and Onitsha to facilitate safe and affordable movement of goods and residents.
Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, commended the state government for providing a conducive operating environment and pledged to expand the airline’s operations to more states. He attributed the success to continuity in governance.
“There’s great unity in Ekiti. This is the result you get when one government starts something and another completes it, ” he said.
Former governors Oni, Adebayo, Fayose, and Fayemi praised Governor Oyebanji for sustaining the airport’s vision and pledged continued support for his administration.
Executive Director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, John Zhao, called the facility a milestone that positions the area as a fully operational aviation hub, while the Project Manager, Joseph Yu credited the runway and road network’s success to collaboration between the state government and aviation authorities.
Governor Oyebanji disclosed that Ekiti State has invested N49.7 billion in the airport, making it one of the state’s largest infrastructure projects.
He highlighted that the Fayemi administration contributed N14 billion for civil works, regulatory approvals, aprons, access roads, perimeter fencing, power infrastructure, and firefighting equipment.
The governor also acknowledged the financial support of Aare Afe Babalola, whose contributions accelerated the airport’s operational readiness.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is expected to boost trade, enhance connectivity, and attract investments, marking a transformative moment for Ekiti State and the wider South-West region.
