By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The commencement of commercial flight at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has continued to attract commendations from prominent citizens of Ekiti State, with a respected pharmacist and community leader from Ode Ekiti, Pharmacist Adedayo Oluwasanmi, describing the development as a historic turning point in the socio-economic journey of the state.
In a statement made available to the press in Ado Ekiti through his media aide, but personally signed by him, Oluwasanmi said the airport has finally moved Ekiti away from the long and painful era of being landlocked, opening the state to national and global socio-economic participation.
The Ode Ekiti born politician and technocrat noted that for decades, Ekiti people had been paying a high price for isolation, as farmers, traders, students and investors were forced to travel long distances to neighbouring states to access air transportation. According to him, the new airport has removed that burden and given Ekiti a strategic advantage that will reflect positively on the daily lives of the citizens.
He emphasised that the airport is not just an aviation project but a powerful economic tool that will stimulate growth across sectors, noting that with easier access, businesses will reduce costs, investors will find the state more attractive, and opportunities will expand for young people seeking jobs and skills in aviation, logistics, hospitality and support services.
“Ekiti is stepping confidently into a new era of openness and opportunity, the runway has been built, the doors have been opened, and the future now depends on how well we all work together to build shared and lasting prosperity for the state.” He said.
Oluwasanmi who gave special commendation for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, described him as the leader who gave the project the attention and urgency required to bring it to completion. He said the governor demonstrated uncommon commitment by ensuring that the airport was delivered to standard, turning a long-standing dream into a working reality for the people.
According to the community leader, the completion of the airport under Governor Oyebanji shows that development is about continuity and responsibility. He said the governor honoured the efforts of past administrations by finishing what they started, thereby proving that governance should always rise above politics when the interest of the people is involved.
Oluwasanmi who explained that the airport will not only allow the world to properly see and participate in the developmental efforts of the Oyebanji administration across different sectors but will also allow investors, development partners and tourists to experience firsthand, the progress being made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development.
He stressed that the quality of work done at the airport stands out, noting that experts have already adjudged the facility as one of the best in the country, with standard of construction, safety features and supporting infrastructure that show that the government prioritises value, durability and long-term benefits.
In his words:
“The airport project clearly shows the governor’s commitment to building projects that will stand the test of time. Such quality-driven development reassures citizens that public funds are being used wisely and with the future in mind.”
Beyond the airport, Oluwasanmi commended the Oyebanji administration for other landmark infrastructure projects, particularly the flyover bridge from Okeyinmi to Ejigbo in Ado-Ekiti. He described the bridge as a major relief to road users and a symbol of modern urban planning that has improved traffic flow and safety in the state capital.
“The flyover, like the airport, reflects a clear vision of sustainable development and shows that the governor is focused on solving real problems that affect the daily lives of the people. These projects are laying a solid foundation for economic expansion and improved quality of life.” He remarked
On agriculture, Oluwasanmi said the agro-allied focus of the airport gives Ekiti a rare opportunity to fully unlock its agricultural potential. He noted that the state is richly blessed with cocoa, yam, rice, fruits and vegetables, which can now be transported quickly and safely to national and international markets.
He explained that with proper packaging, storage and export standards, farmers will earn more, reduce waste and enjoy better returns for their hard work. This, he said, will boost rural incomes, reduce poverty and strengthen food security across the state.
Oluwasanmi also spoke on tourism, saying the airport will make it easier for visitors to explore Ekiti’s hills, warm springs, cultural festivals and historic sites. He noted that improved access will encourage tourism investments, create jobs and project Ekiti as a destination of choice.
He lauds the state government for providing maximum security around the airport and for constructing a ring road to ensure easy access and connectivity. According to him, these supporting facilities show that the government planned the project holistically, with safety and convenience in mind.
Reflecting on history, the pharmacist from the Oluwasanmi dynasty from Ode Ekiti said the airport represents the fulfilment of the dreams of Ekiti founding fathers. He recalled the role of the Governor as the secretary of the committee that fought for the creation of the state and noted that the vision at the time was to build a state that could stand proudly and compete favourably with others.
“Governor Oyebanji’s achievements as generational projects that will benefit not just the present population but future generations and history will be kind to the governor for choosing to invest in lasting infrastructure rather than temporary solutions.” Oluwasanmi remarked
Oluwasanmi charged the governor not to be deterred by distractions but to remain focused on his development agenda, encouraging him to continue making Ekiti people proud through people-centred policies and projects that address real needs.
He also called on citizens to continue supporting the government and to take ownership of public facilities provided for their benefit, saying that development works best when the people and the government move in the same direction.
He specifically urged residents, farmers, traders and travellers to make effective use of the airport, noting that its success depends largely on patronage and that the frequent use of the facility will attract more airlines, increase cargo operations and strengthen the state’s economy.