- December 10, 2025
- Posted by: itmanager
- Category: Uncategorized
• PROTOCOL
It is with profound honour that I stand here today on behalf of the Founder, Proprietor, and President of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, FCIArb, FNAILS, LL.D (hc) London; LL.D (hc) UNILAG; LL.D (hc) UNIJOS; LL.D (hc) UNAD; D.Litt (hc) KSU; FKC (London), FNAE; the Governing Council, Senate, Staff, Students, as well as the entire ABUAD community, to convey our goodwill message on this historic occasion.
A Peep into The Ekiti Airport History
The matter of an airport in Ekiti first emerged when former Governor Segun Oni visited the Founder in Ibadan with newspaper reports indicating that Aare Afe Babalola was planning to establish a university at Adeyipo-Oyo near Ibadan. The former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala of blessed memory, graciously assured that all necessary amenities would be provided if the proposed Afe Babalola University was sited at Adeyipo-Oyo.
However, the Founder responded candidly, noting that Ekiti remains a landlocked state; without an airport, without a railway line, and with a poor road network, despite its strategic location at the heart of Nigeria. In contrast, Ibadan already had a functional international airport.
Fully aware that it would be extremely difficult for a private individual to build an airport in Ekiti State, Governor Segun Oni, understanding the challenge, proceeded immediately to then Nigerian President- Goodluck Jonathan to seek approval for an airport in Ado-Ekiti.
President Jonathan graciously approved the request and further authorised funds for compensating the villagers occupying the land designated for the proposed airport. Thus, the airport project first took form on paper.
Today, however, is not for recounting the complex history of the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport but for celebrating the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream.
We are gathered to appreciate, once again, the present Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who has brought to reality the dream of many: the dream of Aare Afe Babalola, the Baamofin of Yorubaland; the dream of the people of Ekiti State; and the dream of countless Nigerians, especially parents and students whose children study with us.
We appreciate the government, the Executive Governor, and all who contributed to transforming decades-old aspirations into a tangible reality.
Founder’s Charge
Although the Founder of our university is not physically present today, he is overjoyed, offering glory to Almighty God that this commissioning is taking place in his lifetime. He extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in achieving this milestone.
Furthermore, he has asked me to remind the nation once again that Ekiti State, in addition to this airport, urgently needs a railway system that should start from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti, to Akure, and further to Onitsha in eastern Nigeria. The rationale is clear: to provide a faster, safer, and more affordable means of transporting goods and people, especially in a modern economy.
Our Founder also conveys a message to the Government of Ekiti State, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the state and its people. He emphasized that this dedication will endure, and that he remains fully prepared to continue offering support in every way humanly possible.
In addition, he expressed profound appreciation to the Distinguished Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, for being the first airline operator to commence scheduled commercial flights today, December 10, 2025.
On behalf of the highly esteemed Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, the Proprietor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, I congratulate the government, the Governor, and the good people of Ekiti State; our aviation partners; and all who contributed to this remarkable success.
May this airport usher in a new era of growth, opportunity, and global connectivity for Ekiti State and for Nigeria.
Thank you.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless Ekiti State and God bless Aare Afe Babalola, the Baamofin of Yorubaland!