By Adeyinka Adeniran
There are clearer indications that President Bola Tinubu will be in Ibadan on Friday to witness the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan.
This is because an advanced member of the presidency arrived the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan at exactly 9:14 AM to the joy of everyone in the vicinity.
The flight came ahead of the Presidential arrival scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025.
It is the first time the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport received aircraft since being closed down in March 2025 for upgrade to international standards.
The successful landing underscores the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.
With the presidency flight scheduled to follow soon, this inaugural flight since March 2025 sets a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.
Recall that Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, had in September 2024, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade.
Makinde had said at the event that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
The governor had also noted that, “The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travelers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.”
Earlier, the Makinde administration had upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge and provided a fire truck.
It also installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
