Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has expressed the commitment the state government to achieve the upgrade of Ibadan Airport in 18 months, stating that the state has resources to drive the project.
The governor who said this on Wednesday at the Hijrah 1446 luncheon organised by the state government held at the Presidential Lodge, Secretariat in Ibadan, added that he will announce a committee that will steer the vision to turn the facility to an international standard before the end of the week.
Makinde who assured that before the end of his tenure, Hajj pilgrims would be airlifted from the Airport to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia, used the opportunity to call on the people of the state to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign, irrespective of religious differences.
He stressed that his administration will continue to pilot the affairs of the state in the interest of the people and the development of Oyo State.
Noting that there are challenges both in the state and the country as a whole, Governor Makinde assured that with people’s support, the challenges would be surmounted.
He said, “We thank God for sustaining our lives till today. We appreciate him for a new beginning. The significance of a new year means we should also, as humans, begin new things.
“Today is a day for celebration, because we already observed the Hijrah holiday before now. Part of the things we want you to be doing is to wipe the slate clean and start a new beginning, especially in Oyo State.
“There are a lot of challenges we are facing as a nation and as a state but I have the assurance that we will surmount those challenges.
“Please, support this government. I came to you to beg to apply and you made up your mind to give me the opportunity to serve the state. I will forever remain grateful for the opportunity.
“Many people wanted the same opportunity but could not get it. They had the money to buy it, but you didn’t sell it. You all came together irrespective of religious leanings to give us this opportunity and I will, forever, cherish it.
“This is a responsible government and it is your government and we will always do things in the best interest of Oyo State.
“Before the end of this week, I will make announcement on the committee that will champion the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport.
“I am more than confident now that before my tenure ends, those going for Hajj operation would take off from Ibadan to Mecca and Medina.
“When I make the announcement on or before Friday, I will give them 18 months to complete everything, because we have the money to make it happen. So, my message for us is to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign supreme.”
The governor, who used the opportunity to commend the chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Hashim Olamide Ateere on the 2024 Hajj operations, described its hitch-free organisation as remarkable.
Earlier, Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Bayo Lawal acknowledged the total support of Makinde to the Muslim ummah, saying this had ensured peace and development in the state.
In his lecture, the guest lecturer, Sheik Najimudeen Alkubroh, extolled the uncommon virtues of Makinde and noted that with his style of leadership, he had proven to be the kind of “worthy leader that Nigeria needs.”
Chairman on the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, called on Muslims and Islamic scholars to always remember the new calendar year and teach their followers the importance of Hijrah.
In their separate goodwill messages, Professor Kamil Olosho, Professor Musliudeen Yahya and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu emphasised the need for the declaration of Hijrah holiday in the country.
Sheikh Atere for his part, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support towards the 2024 Hajj exercise.