The Federal Government has ordered suspension of foundation laying of Osun International Airport, Ede.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced relocation of the airport project in Ido-Osun to Akoda, Ede, citing lack of approval and insufficiency of the available land for an airport.
The turning of sod is expected to be held next week Thursday and the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo and his works counterpart, David Umahi are expected to lead the foundation laying.
However, the Ministry of Aviation has now suspended the move, stating that the old airstrip in Ido-Osun is already in the 2024 budget and has gulped some amount of money.
According to a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribole, also stated that a petition has been filed to the ministry on the matter.
The letter reads, “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 State and Federal Government, it is important we are in synch 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.”
