Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced that the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is positioning the state as Nigeria’s agro-allied export hub.
Oyebanji described the approval by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the commencement of non-scheduled flight operations as the best New Year gift for the state.
The governor, in a statewide New Year broadcast aired on all radio and television stations in the state on Wednesday, congratulated Ekiti residents for witnessing another year despite the numerous challenges they faced daily.
He said, “The New Year will see the state witness a massive improvement in food production, infrastructure, and government services like never before in the history of Ekiti.”
READ ALSO: TCN Suspends Planned Two Months Power Outage in Ondo, Ekiti
“We have made remarkable progress in our journey to prosperity in line with our continuity and shared prosperity agenda. The development in the last year has been phenomenally exciting, a fact acknowledged by many.”
The governor assured citizens that 2025 would bring better economic prospects for the state and the nation.
He stated, “Ekiti has taken a leap towards a higher pedestal of economic development, especially with the approval granted to the state airport to commence non-scheduled flights. I am proud to announce that Ekiti State Airport is now completed and ready for operation.
“The Federal Government, through the NCAA, on December 13, 2024, granted the airport a six-month licence to commence non-scheduled flight activities. This six-month period will allow the airport to test its systems and prepare for full operations starting June 15 this year. This, in my view, is the best New Year gift to the people of Ekiti.
“For us in Ekiti, the commencement of flights at the airport validates our continuity mantra and marks a significant milestone in our strategic vision of linking our state’s economy to the rest of the world. It also expands Ekiti’s economy into a new arena of prosperity and opportunities.
READ ALSO: Afe Babalola Sets New Conditions For Truce In Case Against Farotimi
“Our ultimate goal is to become the agro-allied export hub of the country. We are thrilled by the potential this breakthrough presents for our state.
We remain optimistic that 2025 will herald a positive economic resurgence for the country, with indicators pointing to increased economic activity, higher incomes, and improved revenues.”
He added, “In Ekiti, this is our year of accelerated growth in our shared prosperity journey. The state will witness massive improvements in food production, infrastructure, and government services like never before.”
Oyebanji expressed gratitude to leaders at all levels, including the state’s former governors, deputy governors, National Assembly members, and the heads of the state’s legislative and judicial arms of government.
He also thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, party leaders, and other community stakeholders for their unwavering support.
The governor extended his “deepest gratitude” to President Bola Tinubu for his special interest in Ekiti State and for his consistent support.
He also appreciated the Federal Government, its agencies in the state, and development and financial partners for their continued cooperation.
He lauded Ekiti residents, both at home and abroad, for their goodwill, advice, prayers, suggestions, and constructive criticisms, which he said had deeply touched him and provided guidance for his administration.