Governor Seyi Makinde says his administration’s plans to upgrade the airport in Ibadan to an international standard are on course.

This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday by his chief press secretary, Taiwo Adisa.

Mr Makinde stated this during a retirement ceremony held at the airport in honour of the Ibadan airport manager, Tega Aiyenuro.

The governor, represented by his chief of staff, Segun Ogunwuyi, said his administration considered the airport central to its vision to expand the state’s economy.

He promised that his government would continue to partner with critical stakeholders to bring about the venture’s success.

Mr Makinde praised Ms Aiyenuro for her hard work and being “a friend of the state.” He presented a Toyota Hilux pickup to her.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a director in the parastatal agency, Sunday Ayodele, said the Ibadan airport would enhance the expansion of the state’s economy.

He attested that the outgoing airport manager keyed into the vision of the administration of Mr Makinde to expand Oyo’s economy.

According to him, the government executed some projects at the airport within a short period.

“These projects include the new lounge, ongoing dualisation of the Airport Road and dualisation of the Ajia-Airport Road with spur to Amuloko,” he explained. “Aiyenuoro has collaborated with the Oyo state government and keyed into the vision of Governor Makinde in having an expanded economy in the state.”

Ms Aiyenuro thanked Mr Makinde for being instrumental in the success of the Ibadan airport while under her watch.

(NAN)