FG asks Adeleke to stop plan on new Airport project over petitions

By Ismail Azeez, OSogbo

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has told Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of the new International Airport project in the State.

The Ministry, in a letter dated December 6, 2024, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole asked Governor Ademola Adeleke to postpone the ceremony until the issues regarding petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved.

According to the letter, “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21 November, 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport is resolved and to harmonize the state’s efforts with that of the Federal Government.

“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.

“The Federal Government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds in order to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between the State and Federal Government, it is important we are in sync before the project takes off.

“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date,” it added.