Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has promised to further boost investment in the state, following the recent upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan.

Speaking at The Jagz Hospitality Conference, which marked the hotel’s first anniversary, Governor Makinde described the airport’s recent milestone the landing of the first wide-bodied aircraft in its 43-year history as a major step towards transforming the facility into a top destination for investors.

Makinde said, “It was a moment of joy when the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at Ibadan Airport last Friday. The airport, commissioned in 1982, had to wait 43 years for this. Within one year of approval, we extended the runway and made this possible. But we are not stopping here. Our goal is to make Ibadan Airport more welcoming than any other in Nigeria a hub where people from across the world will want to come, feel welcome, and return.”

The governor further emphasized that Oyo State’s business-friendly policies would continue to attract investors despite Nigeria’s current economic challenges. He also questioned the efficacy of “import substitution” as a sole growth strategy, arguing that opening up to global investment is crucial for economic progress.

Makinde pointed to the airport’s expansion as a key driver for tourism and economic development in the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to raising the bar for investor engagement.