Tinubu to Attend Olubadan Coronation as NCCA Reopens Ibadan Airport

Tinubu to Attend Olubadan Coronation as NCCA Reopens Ibadan Airport

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu will be in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), temporarily reopened the Upgraded Ibadan Airport.

This development was to ease travel challenges for visitors attending the coronation ceremony.

On Wednesday, a test landing of the aircraft was successfully conducted. An advance team from the Presidency landed at the newly upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport at exactly 9:14 a.m., exciting those present.

This marked the airport’s first operation since its closure in March for an upgrade to international standards and demonstrated its readiness to handle high-profile flights.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had initiated the airport upgrade in September 2024 and noted that the project would connect the state to the global market.

He emphasized that the upgrade is expected to improve air travel operations, provide reliable transportation for both business and leisure travelers, and promote economic growth.

The administration also upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge, provided a fire truck, and installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.

Confirming the development, Dr. Suleiman Olanrewaju, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, said the advance presidential aircraft arrived at the airport at 9:14 a.m., much to the joy of onlookers. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to arrive in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation event.

The successful test flight underscores the airport’s enhanced infrastructure and capability to support high-profile flights safely and efficiently.