We’ll continue to explore opportunities in aviation sector to grow our state – Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that his administration will continue to explore opportunities in the aviation industry to drive infrastructure development and economic expansion in the State.
Hosting the Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter, at the Western Hall, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, who were in Ibadan for their annual conference themed, “Connect, Engage, Inspire,” holding between November 4 and November 7, 2025 noted that women have played active role in easing the mode of transportation and for breaking barriers, he appreciated their professionalism, comportment and efforts in shaping the future of the aviation industry.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by Bayo Lawal, his Deputy Governor, lauded the contributions of women to the growth of the aviation industry, adding that the first aerodrome was established in Ibadan and that the State Government’s decision to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international facility was taken to make Oyo State a hub of international travels.
He said, “Women In Aviation, comprising all segments of the aviation industry, clearly indicate to us that you mean business by bringing this conference to Oyo State in Ibadan here. As it has been indicated, Oyo State is open and ready to give support in all ramifications.
“You have just mentioned three of such areas that will expand to incorporate other areas to support women in aviation.
“Aviation industry is not a local industry. It is an international industry. Planes fly from continent to continent, from nations to nations. So, it’s an international thing as you have described it.
“What a man can do, a woman can do better as the popular saying goes. Now, women have taken the centre stage in the aviation sector, from being pilots to other areas or specialties in the industry. I have to appreciate you for what you are doing.
“The conscious and intentional policy of this administration to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, which is here in Ibadan, to an international airport is because we do not want to lose track of our role as a government to showcase and to tell people that Oyo State must lead in this particular mode of transportation, which is airport development.
“We want to make Oyo State a hub of local and international air travels. With the completion of Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, our aircraft can take off here and go to any part of the world. That is the intention of this administration.
“So, on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, we want to say you are welcome, because you have come to add value to our administration.
“Your presence here today is a value addition to our administration. This is the International Women in Aviation Conference, holding in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital and it is preparatory to the international conference that is coming up in Texas, USA next year.
“We appreciate you for choosing Ibadan, Oyo, as the venue of the conference. But this doesn’t come across to us as an accident; it is a result of your observation of Governor Makinde’s intentional commitment to the aviation industry in Nigeria.
“If you go to the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, you will see the evidence of this commitment.
“So, we stand ready to support you with regards to your requests. As a matter of fact, the Oyo State Government is bankrolling this conference, just to show the world that Oyo State is ready to collaborate with the International Conference of Women in Aviation.”
The governor assured the organisation of his administration’s support and commitment to providing an enabling environment for their initiatives to thrive, ensuring that young women are well-trained.
Earlier in her address, Rejoice Ndudinachi, the President, Women in Aviation in Nigeria, thanked Governor Makinde for his support to the Association and for hosting the conference in Ibadan.
