He said his government considered the airport key and central to its vision to expand the state’s economy, adding that the government would continue to partner with significant individuals to bring about the success of the venture.

The governor, who was represented by his chief of staff, Segun Ogunwuyi, expressed this during the retirement ceremony held in honor of Mrs. Ogenetega Aiyenuro, the outgoing airport manager.

He described Aiyenuro as a friend of Oyo State, praising her for everything she had done for the facility and the state. He assured the gathering that the state would continue to partner with the retiring director.

   “God has given her the grace and she has also used ‘omoluabi’ to engage and become part of us in Ibadan. We still want you to work for us all because you still have a very long way to go. So, I want to say we will continue to partner with you even going forward. You are a friend of the state, our sister, and a mother. By the grace of God, I believe we will still do better things together even after you have left service”, the governor said. The governor presented the retiring airport manager with a Toyota Hilux. Earlier, a director with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Sunday Ayodele, commended Aiyenuro for keying into the vision of Governor Makinde’s administration to expand the economy of the state.

     He maintained that the Ibadan Airport is important to the economy of the state adding that the state government had been able to do a lot of things at the airport within a short period, including the new lounge, ongoing dualization of the Ajia-Airport Road with spur to Amuloko and the ongoing dualization of the airport road, among others. The director said, “Mrs. Aiyenuoro has collaborated with the Oyo State Government and keyed into the vision of Governor Makinde in having an expanding economy in the state. This airport is important in expanding the state economy.’’