Ekiti governorship aspirant praises airport takeoff, questions govt’s stance on project role

By Boye Oyeyemi –

A governorship aspirant in the 2026 Ekiti State election, Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, has applauded the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied and Cargo Airport, describing it as a major boost for the state’s economy.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Oyinloye Adeola, Ojo said the airport would improve connectivity, stimulate agro-allied businesses, enhance tourism, and attract both local and foreign investors to Ekiti State.

“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,” he said.

However, the All Progressives Congress aspirant expressed displeasure over what he described as the state government’s alleged denial of his contributions to the airport project, particularly the construction of a multimillion-naira fire station and his intention to support other facilities.

Ojo warned that such denials could discourage investors and weaken collective development efforts in the state.

“It is contradictory and frankly confusing for any government to distance itself from the contributions of other Ekiti sons and daughters to this monumental project, regardless of who initiated it or the source of the primary funding,” Ojo stated.

He also referenced comments credited to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, during the 2025 NUJ Press Week, which reportedly described his claims as false and misleading, urging verification from the former airport project manager, Air Vice-Marshal Ojuawo (retd).

The aspirant called on the current administration to rise above political differences and treat the airport as a collective asset of all Ekiti people, stressing that attention should be focused on maximising its benefits and long-term sustainability rather than disputes over individual contributions.