Youth Inclusion:From Tarmac To Trade, Ekiti Youth Target Airport Gold Rush
... As State Official, Travel Mogul Moves To Create New Wave Of Aviation Entrepreneurs
By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole
The Youth Inclusion Office on Tuesday took its drive for opportunity directly to the Airport tarmac, holding a pivotal meeting at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Cargo International Airport. The session focused squarely on unlocking the airport’s vast potential for the state’s young population, turning travel infrastructure into a launchpad for enterprise.
Led by the Governor’s Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion,Hon.Ayo Òjo, the delegation engaged in direct talks with airport management and key private sector figures. The Commercial Officer of the airport, Mr.Olawale Odoko, provided crucial insights into the operational landscape and emerging commercial spaces ready for youth engagement.
A major highlight was the participation of Mr. Tola Gboyega, Managing Director of Dolphins Travels and Tours. His presence emphasized the tangible private-sector opportunities in aviation services, from agency operations to hospitality and logistics, offering a real-world blueprint for aspiring youth entrepreneurs.
Discussions were action-oriented, centering on practical ways youths can leverage the airport ecosystem. The talks identified key areas including cargo handling, digital tech solutions for travel, retail, and support services, framing the airport as more than a transit point but a business district itself.
This strategic visit according to the Advisor Ojo marks a concrete step by the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration to translate infrastructure into inclusive economic growth.He assured that the collaboration signaled a clear intent to position Ekiti’s youth at the forefront of the aviation and travel boom, ensuring they are not just spectators but active owners and innovators in the state’s rising prosperity story.
