First Commercial Flight Lands At Ekiti Airport As Oyebanji Marks Milestone

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By Lukman Babatope

Ekiti opened a new chapter on Wednesday as the first commercial flight touched down at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado Ekiti, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji leading dignitaries to witness the landmark moment. The governor described the feat as a turning point in the state’s long push for economic expansion, easier movement and global market access.

The United Nigeria Airlines aircraft, with registration 5N-BWY, landed at 11:09 am carrying about 50 passengers and later departed for Lagos at noon. Those on board included Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose; members of the National Assembly from Ekiti; Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo; and senior aviation officials.

They were received by Governor Oyebanji, his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, former Governor Segun Oni, and heads of key sectors in the state.

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji disclosed that the state invested over N49.7bn in the project. He said the airport was designed to anchor agro-export, reduce post-harvest losses and open Ekiti to wider commercial, tourism and aviation opportunities.

He saluted the roles played by his predecessors, particularly Dr Kayode Fayemi who laid the foundation and pushed construction to an advanced stage. He said the success of the project is a clear demonstration of the value of continuity in governance.

Oyebanji also appreciated members of the National Assembly from the state and expressed special gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the president’s economic reforms made it easier for states to finance major capital projects.

He gave strong recognition to the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), who donated vital airport equipment worth $1.6 million and constructed a 100-car capacity park at N356m.

The governor also thanked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for the ministry’s steady support as well as United Nigeria Airlines for partnering the state as its pioneer commercial operator.

Oyebanji encouraged entrepreneurs, farmers and young professionals to make use of the airport to expand their businesses, access new markets and attract investment into the state. According to him, air travel will improve trade, boost tourism and stimulate economic growth for the benefit of the people.

He described the event as more than a ceremonial opening, noting that it signals a new era in Ekiti’s drive for modern infrastructure and shared prosperity. He paid tribute to former Governors Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi for their contributions at different stages of the project.

Minister Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, described the occasion as historic, stressing that the airport would unlock new economic pathways, strengthen agriculture and attract investors.

In their messages, Fayemi, Oni, Fayose, Niyi Adebayo and Senator Bamidele recalled their contributions to the project and praised Oyebanji for delivering a dream long pursued by previous administrations.

Aare Afe Babalola commended the governor for sustaining the passion and commitment necessary to complete the airport, while United Nigeria Airlines Chairman, Prof Okonkwo, assured residents of quality service and revealed plans to expand flight routes beyond Lagos and Abuja.

With the touchdown of the maiden commercial flight, Ekiti joins the league of states with functional airports—a development many believe will reshape the state’s economic future.