The Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi has hinted that he would soon inaugurate a committee that will see to the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to International Standard.
Governor Makinde who gave the hint during a luncheon held at the Government house Ibadan in commemoration of the Hijrah 1446, also reiterated his plan to ensure that the Oyo State 2025 intending Pilgrims are airlifted from Alakia Airport Ibadan to Saudi Arabia.
The luncheon, attended by prominent Islamic scholars, community leaders, and representatives from various Islamic organizations across the state, served as a platform for dialogue and fellowship within the Muslim community.
In his Message the State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde who charged the people of the state to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and Peace would reign supreme, also called on Muslim ummah to emulate prophet Muhammad who sought for a new beginning by leaving Mecca for Medina.
While commending the Sheik Hasim Atere led Pilgrims welfare board (Muslim wing) on the 2024 successful Hajj exercise, governor Makinde maintained that he would ensure the Intending Pilgrims from the state are airlifted to Saudi Arabia from Alakia Airport in 2025.
Sheik Atere equally used the occasion to appreciate Governor Makinde on unprecedented support the state Hajj board enjoyed from him before and during the 2024 Hajj- exercise.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state deputy governor, Barrister Bayo-Lawal, commended Governor Makinde for supporting the Hijra noting that the governor has always been maintaining religious harmony in the state.
Delivering his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, chief Bayo Oyero, called on Islamic scholars to create more awareness and sensitization on Importance of Hijra to their followers
In their goodwill messages, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Prof. Kamil Olosho, and Prof. Tayo Yayah, who described Govenor Makinde as an exceptional leader, lauded his role in the reconstruction of Adogba Central Mosque Ibadan and the rehabilitation of Oja’ba Central Mosque Ibadan, they however called on the federal government to emulate Governor Makinde and declare the first day of Hijja calendar as a National Holiday.
Delivering his lecture, the guest lecturer, Sheik Muideen Najeemdeen, commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s style of leadership as he also prayed Almighty Allah to take him higher in his political endeavors.
Other notable attendees of the Programme were top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and Christian religious leaders.
Highlights of the Program was Quranic recitation, and presentation of gifts items to some outstanding Personalities in the society.
