The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has assured that his administration will continue to provide conducive environment for investors in the state.
Makinde stated this at the water salute ceremony to mark the inaugural flight of Green Africa Airways at the Ibadan airport, Alakia, on Saturday.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Abdul-raheem Adebayo Lawal, the governor said in the last four years, efforts had been made to improve the facilities at the airport, stressing that his administration had been able to open up the aviation industry in Ibadan and for that reason, “the airport now has a functional fuel dump which was commissioned a couple of months back.”
Makinde lauded Green Africa, saying its coming to the state would complement the existing services being provided by other airlines.
According to him: “Having seen the CEO, Mr Babawande Afolabi, I cannot but appreciate and commend him because he is a young, ebullient person and a pride to Oyo State because he was born and raised in the state.”
While assuring the management of the airline of the support of the state government, the governor said, “If you need anything, feel free to reach out to the government of Oyo State. You can always count on our support. As a matter of fact, since the inception of this administration, we have been trying to support businesses and we will continue to do so with a view to attracting businesses and investors because we want to make Oyo State the investment, tourism and human capacity development hub, not just for the South West but for the whole nation.
“So, on this note, once again, I want to congratulate you and I wish everyone that will be traveling with you continuous safe journey to and from Ibadan”.
Earlier in his remarks, the CEO of Green Africa Airways, Mr Babawande Afolabi, said it was a wonderful pleasure to have Green Africa operating in Ibadan, where he was born.
He remarked that the primary goal of Green Africa Airways is to use the power of air travel to create a better future, stressing that having the airline operating in Ibadan is a reflection of that goal.
“So right now, between Lagos and Ibadan, customers can fly for as low as N6500 if they book ahead of time. It is cheaper than going by road and within 20-25minutes you are in Lagos.”
“But beyond that, as we think of the future, we do believe that this airport has a special role to play in the aviation industry in the country and across Nigeria. And it’s our hope that over time we would open more routes from Ibadan to connect this region across the country, West Africa and across the continent.”
“Once again, we are very glad to be here. And we look forward to serving Ibadan and neighboring states with affordable, reliable and on time flights.”
The event was graced by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof Kehinde Dahud Sangodoyin; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Physical Development, Hon Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Others include Honourable members of Oyo State House of Assembly; Representative of the Olubadan, HRM Oba Amidu Ajibade; Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Hon Tilewa Folami, ALGON Chairman, Hon Sikiru Sanda as well as other local government chairmen and PDP chieftains in Oyo State
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Oyo Truth is an independent online news /medium reporting up-to-date events, happenings and activities related to Oyo State, Nigeria.
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