The successful test landing at Ladoke Akintola Airport on Wednesday has rekindled hopes for Oyo State’s emergence as a regional hub for business, tourism, and international travel.
The airport, closed since March 2025 for upgrade to international standards, welcomed an advanced aircraft from the presidential fleet ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Ibadan for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
While the occasion carried ceremonial significance, it also served as proof that the state’s heavy investment in aviation infrastructure is beginning to yield results.
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, who initiated the airport upgrade in September 2024, had emphasized that the facility would not only ease travel for residents but also connect Oyo to global markets, attract investors, and stimulate economic growth.
Already, critical facilities including a modern VIP lounge, a 500,000-litre aviation fuel depot, and a state-of-the-art fire truck have been installed. With the runway and terminal improvements nearing completion, industry watchers say Ibadan could soon compete with Lagos and Abuja as a gateway city for both business and leisure travel.
As President Tinubu’s flight prepares to land later this week, the first successful arrival since March is more than a symbolic milestone, it is a sign that Ibadan is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation and economic future.
