Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has commended the governor of Oyo State, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, for his efforts on the upgrading of the Ibadan Airport to international status.
The commendation from the traditional ruler came on the heels of a report by the management of the airport that airlifting of pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Hajj would take place at the facility next year.
General Manager of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who oversees the Ibadan Airport, Chief Adedeji Afolabi, gave the cheering news on Thursday.
Chief Afolabi, who led his members of his management team on courtesy visit on Oba Balogun at his Alarere residence, lauded Governor Makinde for making the facility suitable for international flight.
The Olubadan, in a press statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, expressed happiness to receive the good news that the airport would become international.
He thanked the state governor for the laudable steps taken to turn around the fortunes of the airport and make the long dream a reality.
Oba Balogun also praised all other Ibadan sons and daughters who had served either in the various arms of government, both at the state and national levels, for their efforts towards the upgrading of the airport.
The first-class traditional ruler stressed that “it is gratifying to note that all the efforts had not gone in vain.
“As just pointed out by the Airport General Manager, our people’s governor had committed huge amount of money towards making the airport what we had all longed for- international status.
“I cannot thank the governor enough for this visionary and focussed efforts. May the Almighty Allah continue to guide and guard him.
“To our visitor, I thank you also for the visit and the good news concerning our airport.
“It has been a long dream for the facility to assume international status and you cannot imagine how happy I am with this report.
“By saying I am happy, it means my people in Ibadanland are happy too.
“So, I implore you to ensure that whatever it is that will make your report a reality is done and the gods of our land will support you and make it part of your achievement.”
Earlier, Chief Afolabi said the visit was to officially and formally pay homage to the Olubadan for the first time since his ascension to the throne last year.
“We are here to pay homage to our royal father as the owner of the land and to solicit for his blessings.
“We are happy at the turn around we are witnessing in our place. By the grace of God, the dream of Ibadan people concerning the airport would soon become a reality,” the FAAN General Manager said.
Afolabi, who is a multiple chieftaincy title holder, remarked that Governor Makinde had committed huge amount of money towards giving the airport a standard befitting of an international facility.
“But for some hitches, the last pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from the state would have been airlifted from Ibadan Airport.
“All things being equal, the next exercise would take place there. The efforts of Engineer Seyi Makinde in this regard cannot go without mention.
“Aside the expansion of our needed facility in the Airport, we can all see the road leading to the place dualized with street light, beautifying the whole place.
“This is in addition to making it safe and secure for our prospective air passengers. We owe the governor a huge gratitude,” the General Manager added.
On hand to receive the FAAN Management Team alongside the Olubadan were the Osi-Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; and the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade.
Also in attendance were the Asiwaju Oloja General of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Julianah Raimi and a former Chief Judge of the state, Mrs. Badejoko Adeniji.
