Ondo State Governor has hailed the inclusion of Akure Airport in the Federal Government’s plan to upgrade four airports.
It said the decision followed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s efforts to make the airport the hub of commercial activities.
Information and Orientation Commissioner Yemi Olowolabi said the inclusion was sequel to approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to inject N6 billion to buy information and landing systems for four airports.
He said Akure Airport was benefiting from the FEC’s N6 billion approval because of Akeredolu’s efforts to showcase the potential of the state to the global community.
According to the commissioner, since the inception of the administration, steps have been taken to attract global attention to Akure Airport.
Olowolabi said: “Akeredolu, through patronage, helped to revived the moribound Lagos-Akure route. He also activated Abuja-Akure route.
“It will interest you that both routes now operate daily flights to the state.”
He added that in his first year, the governor’s attention to the airport brought collaboration between the state and Federal Airport Authority.
The collaboration, Olowolabi said, led to a temporary terminal due to encouraging traffic at the facility.
He said: “The governor facilitated the coming of Air Peace Airlines to the state, which flies Lagos-Akure route and encouraged Overland Airways on Abuja-Akure route. Both operate daily to and from Akure.
“The friendly disposition of Governor Akeredolu towards the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is yielding results in the state.”
Olowolabi hoped the governor, before end of his first term, will change the state’s fortunes.
He said: “May I say several things will come our way very soon. I pray our eyes will see the movement of our Sunshine State to a vibrantly-productive state.”
FEC, at its meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo last week, approved N6 billion contracts for four airports.
Briefing reporters, Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika said N2.588 billion was approved for aeronautical information system.
He said the council approved N1.188 billion to upgrade the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Category III status.
The minister added that the contract will include provision of Instrument Landing System for operations in harsh weather.
He said N1.175 billion was approved to upgrade Akure and Benin airports to Category II status.
The contracts will be completed in 20 weeks.