By Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
What on earth are you saying? How can such a transformative project be dismissed so flippantly? To undermine the immense agro-allied and tourism benefits of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is both shortsighted and absurd. This facility is not just an airport; it is a gateway to positioning Ekiti as a tourism and economic hub.
Let me begin by celebrating the recent certification and inspection of the Ekiti State Cargo Airport by the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN. This milestone is a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whose commitment has turned this project into a beacon of progress for Ekiti State.
Following the inspection by the Minister and the Governor, I had the privilege of leading a delegation from the Bureau of Tourism Development, including Barrister Adegboyega Adeoye Morakinyo (Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development), Peculiar Ekiran (Special Assistant on Tourism Development), Dolapo Ogunleye Adewumi (Tourism Officer), Ope Sanni, and Dr. Adun Okupe (CEO of Red Clay Consult and Consultant for the Ekiti State Tourism Development Master Plan). The Minister’s announcement that the airport is well-equipped and ready for immediate operations is a major step forward in Ekiti’s aspirations to become a tourism and economic powerhouse.
One of the transformative impacts of this airport is its solution to Ekiti’s geographical limitation as a landlocked state. Although primarily designated for cargo, the airport also supports passenger flights, making it a dual-purpose facility. This opens up new horizons for tourism, commerce, international business, and investment, positioning Ekiti as a gateway to the world.
The airport’s potential to revolutionize Ekiti’s tourism landscape is monumental. It serves as a launchpad for agro-tourism, business tourism, industrial tourism, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Ekiti’s agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes create opportunities for agro-tourism. With the airport, agribusiness stakeholders can export fresh produce and access global markets. Visitors will be drawn to Ekiti for farm tours, food festivals, and agri-tech exhibitions, showcasing the state’s vibrant agricultural sector.
Seamless connectivity through the airport makes Ekiti a prime destination for business tourism. Corporate travelers can explore Ekiti’s rich cultural and historical landmarks while attending high-profile meetings and events. The combination of modern business infrastructure and serene surroundings is an irresistible draw for business visitors.
The airport provides a logistical advantage for transporting machinery, raw materials, and finished goods, creating an industrial hub. Visitors can witness innovation and production processes firsthand, making Ekiti a compelling destination for industrial tourism.
With the airport in place, Ekiti becomes a natural choice for hosting conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions. The state’s serene environment, rich culture, and now a robust transportation network make it an ideal location for MICE events.
The economic and tourism benefits of the Ekiti Cargo Airport include:
Enhanced Accessibility: Easy access to Ekiti attracts tourists, investors, and other stakeholders.
Boost to Hospitality: Increased tourist inflow will stimulate the growth of hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
Visitors will experience Ekiti’s unique heritage, festivals, and cuisine, enhancing the state’s global cultural footprint.
Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will emerge, empowering local communities and reducing unemployment.
The airport will spur investments in roads, recreational facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji deserves commendation for his steadfast dedication to this transformative project. By prioritizing the completion of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, he has showcased exceptional leadership, ensuring that Ekiti takes its rightful place on the global map as a tourism and economic powerhouse.
The Ekiti Cargo Airport is not just an infrastructure project; it is a bold statement of Ekiti’s readiness to embrace growth, prosperity, and global relevance. This achievement underscores one undeniable fact: Ekiti is open for business and ready to welcome the world.
……Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq is the Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism
