Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said his administration will continue to explore opportunities in the aviation industry to drive infrastructure development and economic expansion in the state.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, while hosting the Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter, at the Western Hall, Parliament Building, Agodi, Ibadan.
Members of the group were in Ibadan for their annual conference, themed “Connect, Engage, Inspire,” holding between November 4 and November 7, 2025.
Governor Makinde, represented by the deputy governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, lauded the contributions of women to the growth of the aviation industry.
He noted that women have played active role in easing the mode of transportation and for breaking barriers, and appreciated their professionalism, comportment and efforts in shaping the future of the aviation industry.
The governor added that the first aerodrome was established in Ibadan and that the government’s decision to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international facility was taken to make Oyo State a hub of international travels.
He said: “Women In Aviation, comprising all segments of the aviation industry, clearly indicate to us that you mean business by bringing this conference to Oyo State in Ibadan here.
“As it has been indicated, Oyo State is open and ready to give support in all ramifications.
“You have just mentioned three of such areas that will expand to incorporate other areas to support women in aviation.
“The aviation industry is not a local industry. It is an international industry. Planes fly from continent to continent, from nations to nations. So, it is an international thing, as you have described it.
“What a man can do, a woman can do better as the popular saying goes. Now, women have taken the centre stage in the aviation sector, from being pilots to other areas or specialties in the industry. I have to appreciate you for what you are doing.
“The conscious and intentional policy of this administration to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, which is here in Ibadan, to an international airport is because we do not want to lose track of our role as a government to showcase and to tell people that Oyo State must lead in this particular mode of transportation, which is airport development.
“We want to make Oyo State a hub of local and international air travels. With the completion of Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, our aircraft can take off here and go to any part of the world. That is the intention of this administration.
“So, on behalf of His Excellency, the governor of Oyo State, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, we want to say you are welcome, because you have come to add value to our administration.
“Your presence here today is a value addition to our administration.
“This is the International Women in Aviation Conference, holding in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital and it is preparatory to the international conference that is coming up in Texas, USA next year.
“We appreciate you for choosing Ibadan, Oyo State, as the venue of the conference.
“But this doesn’t come across to us as an accident; it is a result of your observation of Governor Makinde’s intentional commitment to the aviation industry in Nigeria.
“If you go to the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, you will see the evidence of this commitment.
“So, we stand ready to support you with regards to your requests.
“As a matter of fact, the Oyo State Government is bankrolling this conference, just to show the world that Oyo State is ready to collaborate with the International Conference of Women in Aviation.”
The governor assured the organisation of his administration’s support and commitment to providing an enabling environment for their initiatives to thrive, ensuring that young women are well-trained.
Earlier in her address, the President, Women in Aviation in Nigeria, Dr (Mrs) Rejoice Ndudinachi, thanked Governor Makinde for his support to the association and for hosting the conference in Ibadan.
She noted that the conference is a call to action that reflects their mission to build bridges, spark ambition and foster meaningful partnership across sectors and generations.
Ndudinachi said the association would connect with the state government to explore collaborative opportunities in aviation, education, youth empowerment and STEM development;
And empower women and girls through mentorship, training, scholarships and professional development in aviation and aerospace.
