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… says Oyo poised to become air travel hub Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the aviation sector to drive infrastructure expansion and sustainable growth across the state. The Governor stated this on Wednesday while hosting members of the Women in Aviation International (WAI), Nigeria Chapter, at the Western Hall, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, who were in the state capital for their annual conference themed “Connect, Engage, Inspire.” The event, which runs from November 4 to November 7, 2025, brought together aviation professionals, policymakers, and advocates from across the country. Governor Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, commended the women’s organisation for its dedication to advancing gender equality, professional excellence, and youth development in the aviation industry. He noted that women have played significant roles in the sector, ranging from pilots and engineers to administrators and air traffic controllers, adding that their contributions have been instrumental in shaping modern aviation in Nigeria. “Women in Aviation, comprising all segments of the industry, have demonstrated seriousness and professionalism by bringing this conference to Ibadan,” he said. “Oyo State remains open and ready to collaborate and support the association in all possible ways.” The Governor emphasised that the aviation sector is inherently global and that Oyo State is strategically positioning itself to become a major hub for both domestic and international flights. “Our decision to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international facility is a deliberate and strategic move to make Oyo State a centre for air transportation and commerce,” he stated. “When completed, our aircraft will be able to take off from Ibadan to any part of the world. That is the vision of this administration.” Makinde added that Oyo holds historical significance in Nigeria’s aviation story, as Ibadan once hosted the country’s first aerodrome. He said the government is determined not to lose track of this legacy but to build upon it through targeted investments and public-private partnerships. He further disclosed that the state government is bankrolling the hosting of the 2025 Women in Aviation International Conference in Ibadan to underscore its readiness to collaborate with international organisations in promoting aviation development. “Your presence here is not an accident,” he added. “It is an affirmation of our administration’s deliberate and intentional policies in promoting the aviation industry. The Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport stands today as evidence of our commitment to transforming Oyo into an investment-friendly destination.” Governor Makinde assured the association of continuous government support in creating an enabling environment for women and youths to thrive through mentorship, training, and scholarship programs related to aviation and STEM education. Earlier in her remarks, the President of Women in Aviation International (Nigeria Chapter), Dr. Rejoice Ndudinachi, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for hosting the conference and for his administration’s unwavering support for women’s empowerment initiatives. She described the Ibadan conference as a call to action reflecting the association’s mission to “build bridges, spark ambition, and foster meaningful partnerships across sectors and generations.” “We are eager to collaborate with the Oyo State Government to promote aviation education, youth empowerment, and professional development opportunities for women and girls,” Ndudinachi said. She revealed that the association would engage local schools through mentorship and scholarship programs to inspire interest in aviation-related careers among students. Also speaking, the Vice Chairperson of the association, Miss Seyifunmi Peace, encouraged parents to allow their children to explore career prospects in the aviation industry, which she described as “diverse, dynamic, and globally rewarding.” The conference, which also serves as a preparatory meeting ahead of the International Women in Aviation Conference scheduled to hold in Texas, USA, was graced by several dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; and Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs Dotun Olaitan. The 2025 Women in Aviation AGM underscored Oyo State’s growing recognition as a hub for aviation discourse and innovation, reinforcing Governor Makinde’s vision of positioning the state as a central player in Nigeria’s air transport development. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
