The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has written to the founding father of Afe Babalola College, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, to inform him of the graduation of flight operations at Ekiti Agro-Allied Worldwide Cargo Airport and to understand his monetary help for the actualisation of the airport.
The letter, titled Letter of Appreciation and dated December 18, was personally delivered to the authorized icon on the ABUAD campus by the governor on Thursday.
Recall that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted a license to the Ekiti State Authorities to begin non-scheduled flight operations on the Ekiti Agro-Allied Worldwide Cargo Airport for six months, from December 13, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
“On behalf of the Authorities and good folks of Ekiti State, I’m delighted to formally categorical our heartfelt appreciation for the help you supplied to the Ekiti State Authorities throughout the development of the Ekiti Agro-Allied Worldwide Cargo Airport.
“I’m delighted to tell you that on December 11, 2024, we obtained clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to begin non-scheduled flight operations for six months, from December 13, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
“Your monetary contribution for the acquisition of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), management tower communications gear, and the development of the automobile park was invaluable to this accomplishment, and we’re immensely grateful to your willingness to assist.
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“Sir, I want to notify you that the NCAA has outlined situations for the actualization of full industrial flight operation standing, which incorporates the set up of an Instrument Touchdown System (ILS) to boost the flight operational capability of the airport, and we are going to rely in your unflinching help.
“As soon as once more, thanks to your kindness, generosity, and dedication to our shared ardour and targets of growth and prosperity for our pricey Ekiti State. You might be extremely appreciated, Sir, and please settle for the assurances of my greatest needs, as at all times.”
Responding to the letter, Babalola remarked that it was an excellent starting, noting:
“If issues had been like this three years in the past, we wouldn’t be the place we’re immediately. I thank Your Excellency to your dedication to this Airport Undertaking. I thanks for all you’ve been doing and are nonetheless doing.
“With out a viable and useful transportation system, a state or nation is doomed. When America was found, there have been no roads. However steadily and ultimately, the entire space was tarred, and it developed right into a state (nation) that’s now a transparent chief within the comity of countries.
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“You understand as a lot as I do that folks can’t come to Ekiti due to the dangerous highway community. As a matter of reality, many organizations that promised to return and put money into Ekiti State can not actualize their dream as a result of the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked, and industry-locked. However all that’s starting to alter, and it’ll change to the benefit of all of us.
“With this airport, there can be many job alternatives for our folks. Folks coming out and in of the state will purchase from our varied markets. When persons are gainfully employed, there can be no starvation. When there isn’t a starvation, there can be no anger. And when there isn’t a anger, there can be no violence.
“While you assumed the mantle of management of the ship of the state, you promised that the airport would turn out to be a actuality. By the grace of God and your willpower to fulfil your promise, the Ekiti State Airport has turn out to be a actuality.
“I’ll go the information that Ekiti Airport has turn out to be a actuality to the world. We’ll cooperate with you to make Ekiti State the most effective and most secure states to function and put money into the nation. We’ll help you in all methods.”
