NIGERIA : NCAA Flight Approval For Ekiti Airport: A Timely Christmas Gift, Says APC

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has hailed the approval by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for unscheduled flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a significant milestone and a befitting Christmas gift for the state.

In a statement on Friday, the APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the accomplishment, describing him as a leader who keeps his promises.

“This is a promise made and a promise kept, a Christmas gift specially wrapped for all in the state. That is how we see it. We are very happy and make bold to say that it will serve us well to the delight of all,” Dipe said.

He called on Ekiti residents to acknowledge the progress made and focus on the benefits of having an airport, which many once deemed an ambitious project for the state.

“On the surface, it was a tall order for a state like Ekiti to boast an airport, but with the saying that with God, all things are possible, coupled with our having in the saddle a highly determined governor, then we can be greatly joyful that great things are happening to us in Ekiti in diverse ways,” Dipe added.

The commendation followed a statement by Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, who announced on Thursday that the NCAA had granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.

Oyebode explained that the approval allows private jets and chartered flights to land and take off at the airport between 6 am and 6 pm as the state works toward securing final approval for commercial flight operations.

“This is today’s achievement for tomorrow’s greatness,” Dipe remarked, expressing optimism about the airport’s impact on the state’s development.