Ibadan Airport Reopens After Five-Month Upgrade
Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, resumed operations on Wednesday after being shut for five months to undergo modernisation to international standards.
The first aircraft to land was an advance presidential flight that touched down at exactly 9:14 am, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the city on Friday, September 26, for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said with the successful landing, the airport was ready to efficiently handle high-profile flights safely.
Olanrewaju stated, “President Bola Tinubu is expected in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
“With the presidential flight scheduled to follow soon, this inaugural flight since March 2025 sets a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.
“Recall that Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, had in September 2024, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade.
“Makinde had said at the event that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
“The governor had also noted that, ‘The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travellers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.’
“Earlier, the Makinde administration had upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge and provided a fire truck. It also installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
