Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, visited Akure Airport to assess the destruction caused by a severe rainstorm that hit two days earlier, disrupting flight operations and damaging key infrastructure.
The storm, with wind speeds of approximately 65 knots, caused extensive damage to the terminal building, control tower, and other facilities.
After inspecting the affected areas, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the situation as devastating but praised the swift intervention of the Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“We are here to assess the state of the airport following the storm that struck two nights ago. The damage is extensive, with infrastructure severely impacted. However, I must commend the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the prompt response in deploying personnel to restore operations as soon as possible,” the Governor stated.
As part of the state government’s support, he announced the donation of a fire truck to the airport and pledged additional assistance to facilitate a swift recovery.
Following discussions with airport management, Governor Aiyedatiwa confirmed that flight operations are expected to resume next week, contrary to earlier reports of a three-month suspension.
“Work has already begun on the terminal building and control tower, and we have received assurances thatun by Sunday, flight operations will resume,” he added.
Reaffirming Ondo State’s commitment to assisting in the repair process, the Governor assured stakeholders of the government’s readiness to provide necessary support to ensure the airport reopens as scheduled.
The Manager of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Samuel Famuyiwa, also reassured the public that the situation was under control and not as severe as initially feared.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, Ondo State House of Assembly member representing Akure North Constituency, Hon. Kolawole Ologede, and Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Mr. Ogunbolude Johnson, among other officials.
