Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said his administration would continue to explore opportunities in the aviation industry to drive infrastructure development and economic expansion in the state.
He stated this while hosting the Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter, at the Western Hall, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, said the organisation was in Ibadan for its annual conference themed “Connect, Engage, Inspire,” held between November 4 and November 7, 2025.
Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, lauded the contributions of women to the growth of the aviation industry.
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Noting that women have played an active role in easing the mode of transportation and in breaking barriers, he appreciated their professionalism, comportment and efforts in shaping the future of the aviation industry.
The governor added that the first aerodrome was established in Ibadan and that the state government’s decision to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international facility was taken to make the state a hub of international travel.
“Women In Aviation, comprising all segments of the aviation industry, clearly indicates to us that you mean business by bringing this conference to our state in Ibadan here. As it has been indicated, the state is open and ready to give support in all ramifications.
“You have just mentioned three of such areas that will expand to incorporate other areas to support women in aviation.
“The aviation industry is not a local industry. It is an international industry. Planes fly from continent to continent, from nation to nation. So, it’s an international thing as you have described it. What a man can do, a woman can do better, as the popular saying goes.
“Now, women have taken the centre stage in the aviation sector, from being pilots to other areas or specialities in the industry. I have to appreciate you for what you are doing.
“The conscious and intentional policy of this administration to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, which is here in Ibadan, to an international airport, is because we do not want to lose track of our role as a government to showcase and to tell people that the state must lead in this particular mode of transportation, which is airport development.
“We want to make the state a hub of local and international air travel. With the completion of Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, our aircraft can take off here and go to any part of the world. That is the intention of this administration.
So, on behalf of Governor Makinde, we want to say you are welcome because you have come to add value to our administration.
“Your presence here today is a valuable addition to our administration. This is the International Women in Aviation Conference, held in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital and it is preparatory to the international conference that is coming up in Texas, USA, next year.
“We appreciate you for choosing Ibadan, Oyo, as the venue of the conference. But this doesn’t come across to us as an accident; it is a result of your observation of Governor Makinde’s intentional commitment to the aviation industry in Nigeria.
“If you go to the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, you will see the evidence of this commitment. So, we stand ready to support you with regard to your requests. As a matter of fact, the Oyo State Government is bankrolling this conference, just to show the world that Oyo State is ready to collaborate with the International Conference of Women in Aviation,” he explained.
The governor, therefore, assured the organisation of his administration’s support and commitment to providing an enabling environment for their initiatives to thrive, ensuring that young women are well-trained.
Earlier, the President of the organisation, Rejoice Ndudinachi, thanked the governor for his support of the association and for hosting the conference in Ibadan.
She noted that the conference is a call to action that reflects their mission to build bridges, spark ambition and foster meaningful partnerships across sectors and generations.
Ndudinachi added that the association would connect with the state government to explore collaborative opportunities in aviation, education, youth empowerment and STEM development; empower women and girls through mentorship, training, scholarships and professional development in aviation and aerospace.
The event had in attendance the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, Adeniyi Adebisi; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade and other government functionaries
