The Ekiti Agro-allied International Cargo Airport has been officially recognized as ushering in “a new era in the development of aviation in Ekiti and Nigeria,” following its inaugural commercial flight operations on Wednesday, the 10th of December, 2025.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, conveyed this sentiment through his representative, Yakubu Adam, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry.
Ministerial Endorsement and Renewed Hope Agenda
Speaking at the launch, the Minister, through Mr. Adam, described the event as “historic,” praising the airport as a reflection of Ekiti’s qualities and a concrete example of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s “renewed hope” agenda aimed at sustained “job creation.”
He further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to the state’s progress, stating, “History is made in Ekiti with this inaugural flight, we celebrate not just the take off,
it’s a new era in the development of aviation in Ekiti and Nigeria.” The Minister added, “This achievement reflects what the state is known for. This airport stands as a practical example of the renewed hope of Tinubu in his quest to sustain job creation,” and concluded by reaffirming support for state initiatives: “I congratulate the Governor of Ekiti state, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that will bring about the growth and development of Nigeria.”
Inaugural Flight and Distinguished Guests
The landmark occasion saw the first commercial flight, United Nigeria Airline (UN 0622), touch down at the Ekiti Cargo International Airport at precisely 11:00 am, arriving from Abuja.
The aircraft carried a host of dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Yakubu Adam, and former Ekiti State Governors: Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Kayode Fayemi. The arrival was met by the current Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor Segun Oni, Commissioners, and other officials. Shortly after, the second commercial flight, UN 0623, departed for Lagos at 12:13 pm.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led a delegation of Ekiti lawmakers, commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to non-partisan governance, citing the presence of all past governors at the event as proof. He congratulated the Governor on the feat, asserting that the new airport will spur further “development to the entire state.”
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In a similar vein, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, acknowledged Governor Oyebanji’s “resilience” in ensuring the airport’s full operation. Represented by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, Mr. Babalola reaffirmed his “unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the state,” but also advocated for a complementary rail network. He stressed the state’s “dire need of a railway station that would start from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and further to Onitsha in Eastern Nigeria,” noting this would offer a “faster, safe and more affordable means of transporting goods and residents in a modern economy.”
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the “conducive environment to operate,” and committed to the “safety of the residents.” He credited the achievement to the principle of “continuity government” and assured the state that the Company plans to quickly expand flight operations to other states across the country.
Finally, Governor Oyebanji revealed the substantial financial commitment to the project, stating that approximately N49.7 billion has been spent on the airport’s construction and development, marking it as one of the largest infrastructure investments in Ekiti’s history.
He detailed that N14 billion was expended between May 2019 and October 2022 under the former administration, covering crucial elements like compensation, site preparation, runway construction, and regulatory approvals. Governor Oyebanji credited the airport’s realization to the collective “contributions of the past governors” and the financial support of Aare Afe Babalola.