By BOLANLE LAWAL

Ekiti government says the Federal Government has given its Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to commence scheduled flight operations.

This is contained in statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebode said that Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in a letter addressed to the state Gov. Biodun Oyebanji on Oct. 3, approved scheduled flights for an initial period of six months.

He quoted NCAA’s Director for Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, as saying the approval was subject to the implementation of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.

“The interim approval is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process.

“This will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with three years validity in accordance with the NCAA regulations,” he said.

The governor was also quoted to have hailed the development as a major boost to the economic development of the state.

Oyebanji said that the commencement of commercial operations at the airport would boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism.

According to the governor, this will further position the state as a destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax.

The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for socioeconomic development at the national and subnational levels.

He also thanked his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who laid the foundation of the airport project in 2019.

The governor lauded Afe Babalola (SAN), Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) for his remarkable contributions to the airport project as well as members of the airport committee. (NAN)