Gov Aiyedatiwa assesses damage at Akure Airport after devastating rainstorm
…Donates fire truck, promises more support
…Airport to resume flight operations next week
By Sodiq Adelakun
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday visited Akure Airport to assess the damage caused by a powerful rainstorm that struck two days earlier, disrupting flight operations and severely affecting critical infrastructure.
The storm, with wind speeds recorded at approximately 65 knots, inflicted significant damage on key airport facilities, including the terminal building and control tower.
After inspecting the affected areas, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the devastation as extensive, acknowledging its impact on airport activities. However, he commended the swift intervention of the Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in addressing the crisis.
“The airport manager and the contractor have been working on the new terminal. We are here to assess the situation after the storm of two nights ago. The destruction is severe, and the damage to infrastructure is extensive. According to the airspace manager, the wind speed was about 65 knots, which is extremely strong and has caused significant harm.
“I want to commend the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his prompt response in deploying personnel to address the situation so that the airport can be restored to full operation as soon as possible,” the governor said.
As part of efforts to support the airport’s recovery, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the donation of a fire truck while pledging additional assistance to expedite restoration.
Following discussions with airport management, he confirmed that flight operations are expected to resume next week, contrary to an earlier notification indicating a possible three-month suspension.
“Extensive repair work is already underway at the terminal building and control tower, and we have received assurances that flight operations will resume by Sunday,” he added.
He reiterated the Ondo State Government’s commitment to facilitating the repair process to ensure the airport reopens without further delay.
Despite initial concerns over the extent of the damage, the Manager of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Samuel Famuyiwa, reassured the public that the situation was under control and not as dire as previously reported.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was accompanied on the inspection tour by Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing Engr. Abiola Olawoye, Ondo State House of Assembly member representing Akure North Constituency Hon. Kolawole Ologede, Akure North Local Government Chairman Mr Ogunbolude Johnson, and other officials.
