Ekiti Agro Cargo Airport Fuels National Honour

Commercial Officer of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Olawale Odoko, has been honoured with the Meritorious Special Impact Recognition Award as Aviation Growth Catalyst of the Year 2026 in the Aviation, Business and Corporate Leadership category.

The national recognition, presented by Nollywood actress Shan George at the Face of Change Nigeria Icons Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, was attributed to the massive investment and visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration in the aviation sector, particularly through the establishment and advancement of the Ekiti Agro Cargo Airport.

The award comes on the back of the airport’s impressive operational record since it commenced commercial flight operations on December 10, 2025. Within its first three months of operation, the airport recorded over 4,000 passengers, underscoring a steady uptake in air travel to and from Ekiti State.

The facility has sustained a consistent flight schedule three times weekly, operating on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with strict adherence to scheduled times and only a single cancellation since operations began. Beyond passenger traffic, the airport has generated over N100 million through multiple revenue streams, including private jet landings, Passenger Service Charges, car hire services, retail outlets and office space leasing.

The airport’s performance has also attracted interest from other airline operators, with Overland Airways conducting an inspection and indicating readiness to commence operations, while two other airlines have signified interest in joining.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration committed over N34 billion to the project upon assuming office in October 2022, covering the completion of the terminal building, control towers, external perimeter fencing, service roads, runway strip, drainages and land stabilisation works.

The investment also extended to the fire station, emergency operations centre, internal perimeter fencing, airport gates, specialised aviation equipment including airfield lighting, scanners and baggage handling systems, as well as a second firefighting truck.

In all, a total sum of N49.77 billion was expended directly by the Ekiti State Government on the project, with N14 billion spent during the early phases under former Governor Kayode Fayemi. The administration has further deepened the airport’s capacity by allocating 1,000 hectares of land with a Certificate of Occupancy for a permanent Nigerian Air Force facility around the airport, strengthening security and operational readiness.

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, Odoko attributed the achievement to the enabling environment and remarkable progress championed under the BAO-led administration, stating that the honour demonstrates that Ekiti youths, when given the right opportunities and support, can compete favourably on national and international platforms.

He dedicated the award to Governor Oyebanji in recognition of his unwavering commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment, as well as his remarkable developmental strides in the establishment and advancement of the Ekiti Agro Cargo Airport. He also dedicated the honour to the First Lady, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, for her compassion and genuine concern for the people of Ekiti, and to his boss at the airport, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Makinde (Rtd.), whom he described as retired but certainly not tired, in appreciation of his exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to ensuring the seamless operations of the airport.

Odoko further expressed profound appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry and championing transformative policies that continue to inspire confidence in the future of the nation’s air transport sector.