Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, has inaugurated the newly built Ekiti Airport, saying it will open up the state to global commerce and tourism if fully harnessed and managed.

Mr Sirika was among the personalities on board the aircraft, which flew from Abuja to make the historic landing on Ekiti soil.

The aviation minister announced to the excited audience that the federal government would site a cargo facility at the airport.

“Thirty-five per cent of global trade by value is moved through airports, and $18.6 billion of cargo is moved daily through air transportation,” he said.

An excited outgoing governor Kayode Fayemi, who could not hide his joy, said, “My job is done”.

Mr Fayemi expressed satisfaction that the project eventually saw the light of the day 10 years after its conception during his first administration in 2012.

“My job is done, Ekiti Kete,” he said, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd that thronged the tarmac to be part of the occasion.

Mr Fayemi said the airport’s inauguration fulfilled his promise to continue to work for the people of the state, who elected him to the very last day in office.

With its inauguration and landing of the first flight, Ekiti has joined the elite club of states in Nigeria that boast of a functional airport expected to boost the export of agricultural produce, service educational and health institutions, and abundant tourism potential in the state.

The first aircraft, ATR 42 Nigeria Air Force plane, piloted by Flight Lieutenant E.A. Balogun landed at the airport’s runway at exactly 10:20 a.m. amidst cheers and excitement by guests who came to witness the historic occasion.

(NAN)