Oyo targets 2026 airlifting from Akintola Int’l Airport

…to renovate Olodo Hajj Camp

The Oyo State Government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that 2026 intending pilgrims to Mecca from Oyo State are airlifted from Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.

The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan is undergoing a major upgrade, being done by Oyo state Government by Craneburg Construction to become an international facility, with completion projected for Q1 2026.

Presently, runway extension, new terminal construction is 15% complete as of mid-2025), and enhanced fire/navigation systems, aiming to handle increased passenger volume and international flights.

The Upgrading Committee set up by the State Government has therefore intensified efforts to ensure that the pilgrims takes off from the airport, in line with the vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.

Abimbola Adekanmbi, Chairman of the Committee during a visit to the leadership of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and an inspection of facilities at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, said the inspection was necessary to identify areas requiring urgent attention.

He emphasised the need to put in place essential facilities at both the Hajj Camp and the airport ahead of the visit by the assessment team from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory agencies, noting that that would facilitate prompt approval.

Adekanmbi also pledged to personally support the renovation of critical facilities pending the governor’s approval and the release of funds.

He called for synergy among all relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the plan for 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims to depart from the Alakia Airport.

Quting a statement from Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information, further urged the Pilgrims Board to submit its proposal promptly to enable the renovation work to commence without delay.

Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, Sheik and Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, in his response, acknowledged the efforts of Governor Makinde and the Committee on the ongoing airport upgrade, saying that the pace of work at the airport was commendable.

Atere revealed that the Board had made significant progress, which he attributed to continued support received from the governor.

While highlighting the achievements of the Board and its challenges, Atere appreciated Adekanmbi for the gesture extended to the Board.