A chartered engineer and founder of Tite Knox Pty Limited, Olaoluwa Dawodu, has stated that the start of commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport will promote business growth, tourism, and job opportunities across Ekiti State.
Dawodu made this known while reacting to the approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the commencement of commercial flights. He described the approval as a major step that could reshape the state’s economy.
According to the Australia-based engineer, the authorization marks “a laudable milestone that will open Ekiti to new channels of economic progress.”
He said that access to safe air travel remains a vital way to explore the economic potential of any region. “The approval will not only promote trade and tourism but also create jobs, strengthen transportation links, and place Ekiti among states with strong air infrastructure,” he said.
Dawodu further pointed out that the airport, just like those in advanced economies, would contribute significantly to the state’s gross domestic product, generate employment, and attract business and tourism.
Okay News reports that the engineer emphasized the strategic importance of the new airport, saying it could become a major economic entry point for Ekiti. He added that it would support agricultural exports, increase investments, and boost industrial development.
He also praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his administration for their commitment to building sustainable infrastructure. Dawodu encouraged Ekiti indigenes at home and abroad to “return, contribute, and support the governor’s efforts to move the state forward as it begins a new phase of air connectivity and economic growth.”
In a letter dated October 3, 2025, the NCAA informed Governor Oyebanji that the airport had been approved to begin commercial operations from October 4, 2025, for an initial period of six months.
The letter noted that a validation inspection carried out between June 16 and 19, 2025, showed that the airport had met the essential standards for scheduled flight operations. It also revealed that the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency’s flight check report confirmed full compliance with regulatory requirements.
