Ekiti Airport Not Misplaced Priority– Aribasoye
A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeoye Aribasoye, has said the ongoing airport project in the state is not a misplaced project.
He said this against the criticisms trailing the project, adding that those who saw the project, which he described as a masterpiece, as a misplaced priority belong to the medieval age.
Aribasoye said the airport initiative will open up the state to industrial, business, diplomatic and opportunities that are abound to catapult the fortunes of any state to enviable height.
The Ekiti APC chieftain said these in a statement, adding that the airport project is a product of critical thinking and well thought-out innovation targeted at exposing the agrarian and human capital development of Ekiti to the outside world.
Aribasoye said those describing it as a desperate attempt to pilfer or plunder the state’s resources were making such comments for mere political blackmail or for their silenced voices to be heard.
He said: “All over the world, the concept of airport has always been to create unfettered access to a territory for industrial development, create more opportunities and showcasing of natural and human endowments of such place.
“Airports were established in Kano, Bayelsa, Benue, Kwara and other states of the federation, not on the basis of being wealthy, but to create access and opportunities.
“That was what Governor Kayode Fayemi intended with this noble concept with the establishment of the international cargo airport, so that our agrarian capacity in terms of food production can be enhanced.
“Benue State has started exporting yams and nothing stops Ekiti from having such dream. Our farmers can only be motivated when they see a ready and profitable market
“Again, the Afe Babalola Multi-system Hospital is now ranked as one of the best in Nigeria, ditto our tourist destinations like Ikogosi Warm Spring, Arinta Waterfall, Esa Cave and others.
“With an airport in place, all these profitable ventures can be accessed easily m, bearing in mind the insecurity and danger associated with land transportation at present. Under this circumstance, the concept is not only apt, but justifiable.”
He lauded Governor Fayemi for pioneering what he called gradual industrial revolution in Ekiti with the revamping of moribund state owned industries like Ikogosi warm spring and resort, Ikun dairy farm, Ire burnt brick and ROMACO granite industry.
“By partnering Promasidor Nigeria Limited, the Ikun Dairy Farm is being resuscitated with a sum of $5m. The farm will produce 10,000 litres of milk daily when fully operational.
“Dangote Group, Stallion Group and JMK rice are currently building their rice processing mills in Ekiti. Ikogosi Warm Spring is also picking and assuming that posture that could make it worthy of its natural status as one nature that is unique, among other initiatives being undertaken to buoy Ekiti’s industrial prowess,” he said.
