From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has handed over the site of the Ekiti Agro-Allied Cargo Airport to the main contractor to commence the construction of its 3.2-kilometre runway.
The governor, while handing over the site to the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, described the project as a promise made and kept for the development of the state.
Governor Fayemi had on Monday presented cheques of N500 million to about 700 land owners whose land were acquired for the airport project. The event held at the Conference hall of the Governor’s Office.
He said the construction of the airport’s runway will be completed within fifteen months in line with the schedule agreed with the contractors.
Represented by Deputy Governor Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi at the handing over of the site, the governor said the payment of compensation to farmers and owners of economic trees on the land acquired for the airport project will continue until all affected land owners receive their compensation.
Describing the project as a milestone for his administration and the people of Ekiti, Fayemi noted that the importance of agro-allied cargo airport to serve as fastest movement of agricultural products to international market cannot be overemphasized.
He explained that Ekiti, an agrarian state, is blessed with hardworking farmers and investors who are ready to produce in commercial quantities once there is an assurance that their goods will reach both local and international markets without delay.
‘No doubt, Ekiti is a landlocked State that borders with other landlocked States like Kwara, Osun, Edo, except Ondo that has sea. The situation has made it difficult for our people in Ekiti State and the neighbouring States to transport goods, most especially agricultural products to both local and international markets,’ Egbeyemi said, speaking for the governor.
‘The establishment of this Agro-allied Cargo Airport will not in small measure improve the socio-economic development of our dear state when completed.’
The governor sought the support of Ekiti people at home and out of state for the completion of the project while also charging the contractor to execute the job with utmost professionalism.
The Technical Adviser on the Airport Project, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Ojuawo (retd), said that the airport is a legacy project of the Fayemi administration and one that will change the face of Ekiti economy.
‘This project is a game changer and we need the cooperation of those who gave us the land. The people will be happy that JKF has brought the airport project to Ekiti. There cannot be a better time than now,’ AVM Ojuawo said.
The Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mr Adesola Adebayo, said the design and bill of engineering measurement of the airport project were expertly scrutinised in accordance with the requirement and standard of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The brief ceremony was witnessed by representatives of communities like Ago Aduloju, Aso Ayegunle, Ijan and Igbemo on whose land the project is located. Mr Wang Williams led a team of CCECC Nigeria Limited’s representatives at the event.