Interesting history to the airport.



http://www.osundefender.org/?p=104525

Osun Airport: Gateway to the world



Coming just when its efforts to leapfrog the state’s development is being acknowledged globally, the coming of Osun Airport, another far-sighted initiative of the Rauf Aregbesola administration must be seen as taking the bar of governance in the state up another notch. Of course, for an administration that has performed rather impressively in just a little over two years in laying the foundation for the state’s economic take-off, the airport project presents another piece of icing on the state’s developmental cake.

There are several ways to look at the planned transformation of the Ido-Osun aerodrome built under the direction of Sir Donald Cameron, the fourth Governor-General of Nigeria, into an international airport. First is the benign acknowledgement of its historic import as the first airfield in the West African sub-region, serving as it were, as the base from where Africans conscripted to fight in the Second World War were airlifted.

The second reason – also related – is that the aerodrome must have counted seriously in the colonial transportation matrix as facilitator of its administration as well as its economic policies and programmes. The latter obviously raises the question of why successive administration which ruled the state could not see what the colonial authorities – in their far-sightedness – saw on the potentials of the airport to the state economy.

As for the PDP administration of Olagunsoye Oyinlola, it rather saw it as an opportunity to squander the state’s funds. The administration is on record to have spent a whopping N5 billion on the project even when it did little or nothing on site.

Today, the development-minded administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola is not only proving a world of difference on the project, work has since assumed a frenetic pace. Barring unforeseen developments, the administration has indicated that the aircraft maintenance facility of the airport would be ready by next year; international flights are also expected to commence by then.

Why do we think the airport project is important at this time? The reasons are certainly many. A few will however suffice here. First, given the pace of development across all sectors in the state, the airport is needed to complement the other initiatives of the administration in the area of commerce, tourism agriculture and tourism. It is no doubt an integral part of the administration’s plans to open up the state economy to the world – part of its quest to tap into the potentials of the West African and indeed global trade.

Secondly, the administration’s hunger for development is as admirable as it is unprecedented. While some states have long settled for the luxury of snail, progressive pace in development matters, the current administration in the state of Osun has long insisted that it is a luxury it can ill-afford.

The administration has been bold, daring and imaginative rolling out innovative programmes and policies most of which are futuristic. Such has been its passion about its programmes and policies; so unflinching has been administration’s quest to surmount all obstacles on its path to development that the citizens cannot but be infected with the development bug. It would be hard to separate the Ido-Osun Airport quest from the administration’s holistic plan of development.

We have no doubt that the airport project is well conceived. More than anything, the administration’s records of careful planning and discipline in the execution of projects give us the confidence that this project will be delivered on schedule. Of course, by then, the benefits would have been so obvious that citizens would be wondering why previous administrations did not think of starting the project earlier.

I thought the airport was a cargo airport? If its not, then in my opinion, it's money wasted.
What is it with Nigerian leaders and airports?

Before i comment further, what kind of airport is it going to be? I couldn't infer that from the article.

I consider an airport project in Osun as misplaced and a drain pipe. It's high time we started applying scarce resources on projects that impact on the citizenry instead of white elephant projects meant to boost the ego of the sitting state governor. How many flights land in Neighbouring Akure and Ibadan airports? What makes both Onyilola and Aregbesola think that the Osogbo airport will be viable when Ibadan and Akure are almost dead?

What does a rural and timid state as oshuns needs airport for? Maybe another akure 'deserted airport'.

the airport exist in your dreams. untill it is built its still in the pipe line as most ACN projects are. lets not waste our energy on a non existent airport.

gregg2: I consider an airport project in Osun as misplaced and a drain pipe. It's high time we started applying scarce resources on projects that impact on the citizenry instead of white elephant projects meant to boost the ego of the sitting state governor. How many flights land in Neighbouring Akure and Ibadan airports? What makes both Onyilola and Aregbesola think that the Osogbo airport will be viable when Ibadan and Akure are almost dead?

You obviously formulated all that based on lack of knowledge about the airport and it's purpose..

1. It's not a passenger airport, it's a cargo airport

2. Osun state is an Agric state and the need a cargo airport to transport goods, services and machinery to and from the state..


We get into this back n forth thing because many of you just refuse to read or do basic research before typing..

No Pictures?

Sunny_bobo: No Pictures?

You cannot see any picture, only the perimeter (fence) is been constructed for now, good job, but all we are saying is stop making NOISE and telling LIES, emulate Ajimobi and Fashola, even without publishing them your projects will speak for themselve. Please help me remind Ogbeni about Odidere fm, its not operating since he commissioned it.

Afam4eva: Before i comment further, what kind of airport is it going to be? I couldn't infer that from the article.

Why are you all thoughting? The report says its an international Airport with Aircraft maintenance facility. That international flights will commence next year. NO WHERE was cargo terminal mentioned.

As far as I'm concerned, the whole idea is idiotic, ludicrous, imbecilic, thoughtless, hare-brained and moronic. Another billions of naira going down the drain. Smh.

Sincere 9gerian: NO WHERE was cargo terminal mentioned.

the proposed Osun cargo airport, which is currently being jointly built by the Nigerian Air force engineers and the Nigerian Army

http://osbcng.org/2013/04/30/ogbeni-raa-and-the-emerging-new-state-of-osun/



Village illiterate...

Eko Ile:





http://osbcng.org/2013/04/30/ogbeni-raa-and-the-emerging-new-state-of-osun/



Village illiterate...

The OP says the Osun state govt is building Osun International Airport, and that the aircraft maintenance facility will be completed next year and international flights will also commence next year. No mention was made of cargo terminal.

But the link you provided suggests a cargo terminal is being built at the same location and will be completed later this year.

Well, I'm not an expert in aviation but building an international Airport for passengers in Osogbo is senseless. Building of cargo terminal is more sensible and would not cost as much, both in building and running cost. Definitely, the cost of building and running cargo Airport cannot be same with full fledged international Airport.

I learnt there's a proposed Agro Cargo Airport, Sagamu, Ogun State. That is very SPECIFIC and it is the way to go. Even at that, feasibility studies and solid business plans has to be in place before embarking on such project.

Sincere 9gerian:
The OP says the Osun state govt is building Osun International Airport, and that the aircraft maintenance facility will be completed next year and international flights will also commence next year. No mention was made of cargo terminal.

But the link you provided suggests a cargo terminal is being built at the same location and will be completed later this year.

Well, I'm not an expert in aviation but building an international Airport for passengers in Osogbo is senseless. Building of cargo terminal is more sensible and would not cost as much, both in building and running cost. Definitely, the cost of building and running cargo Airport cannot be same with full fledged international Airport.

I learnt there's a proposed Agro Cargo Airport, Sagamu, Ogun State. That is very SPECIFIC and it is the way to go. Even at that, feasibility studies and solid business plans has to be in place before embarking on such project.

You're never an expert in anything yet would it kill you to do some basic research before you come here to talk ignorantly? The airport will have allowance for Cargo and passenger transportation. It is a medium-scale airport. The "international" merely reflects how the airport will cater for passenger flight to and from airport destinations with "international" appendage to their name. Flights, for example, could be between Ido-Osun and Murtala Mohammed international airport.

http://www.osundefender.org/?p=5091

The reporter’s findings in the Processing Unit, State Ministry of Finance indicated that an amount of money, over N4 billion had been pumped into the reactivation work to remake the Ido-Osun airport into a General Aviation which serves all types of aircraft, business, charter and private aircraft as well as scheduled air taxis which carry passengers between towns, and to and from commercial service airports with the word international in their names.

Now, to deal with the need for the airport.

Tourism.

Good administrators plan for their own specific reality, endowment, challenges expectations and targets. Aregbesola wants the airport to serve the planned free trade zone and to boost socio-economic progress. For example, far more can be made of Osun's tourism potentials in regards to how the State is a historic geographical destination definitive of the essence of Yoruba culture. If a formal approach is taken to tourism that effectively and adequately deal with the challenges of transportation, healthcare, hospitality, security et al then tourism could be immense considering that those affiliated with or even respectful of Yoruba culture (From Brazil to Cuba et al) would wish to visit the Osun Osogbo shrine. The Osun Osogbo shrine is listed by Unesco as very important to Yoruba culture and Aregbesola feels this holds great tourism potential same ways historical spots worldwide (Taj Mahal, Stonehenge and many others) are attractive tourist destinations in their own right.

Tourism can be immense for Osun if other factors that currently under-develop the sector are dealt with. This is what Aregbesola is doing. Effectively, as as example, package tours could be arranged featuring flights to MMIA from anywhere in the world and then a connecting flight to Ido-Osun. I have personally watched Ghana grow her tourism sector over the past 14 years admirably from one bringing in a comparatively negligible amount to a money maker that now contributes billions of dollars to the Ghanaian economy. For what Yoruba culture is, one of the last vestige that pays homage to it will surely be a big attraction if marketed correctly and work is done to ensure the expectations of even the fussiest tourist/holiday-maker can be met. Aregbesola would be a fool if he cannot plan for what his State, because of it's natural endowment, can achieve through tourism.


http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1118

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements.

Tourism continued.

Also note that there is a formal and organised effort in place to boost tourism through the O'Tour scheme.

http://www.osundefender.org/?p=101568

O’ Tour Is Meant To Showcase Osun Culture – Daniyan
Osun Tourism is essentially meant to showcase the natural endowment of the State of Osun to the whole world.


olumirin waterfall
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, who is also the Chairman of the State of Osun Tourism Board, Engineer Bimbola Daniyan, stated this in his office while responding to questions from journalists
Daniyan said the aim of setting up O’Tour is to showcase God’s natural endowment sites in the state and to utilize it to create employment opportunities for the youths.
He added that the sites like Olumirin Waterfall, Erin-Ijesa, Ayinkunugba Waterfall, Oke-Ila, Opa Oranmiyan and Osun Osogbo Grove are unique sites, which cannot be found anywhere.
He further explained that the State of Osun is unique and Ife being the cradle of Yoruba race and source of every man has never been in doubt.

Daniyan then said the government of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola is doing everything possible to create a treasure out of a great heritage in the state by turning the potentials into assets and a cash-flow society.
He therefore acknowledged the vision of Aregbesola in ensuring that every available opportunity in the state is turned to wealth-creation for the youths and enjoined the citizens in the State of Osun to cooperate fully with the current state government, with a view to moving the state forward.

O'Tour on facebook. Flagging off ceremony.

https://en-gb.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=143189239093119&set=a.143184469093596.37997.140006606078049&type=1&theater

Free trade zone

The airport will also aid the free trade zone being established in Osun primarily to provide investors with a chance to trade without heavy tax burdens. Transportation is essential to the success of free trade zones. Presumably, the activities of the FTZ would means opportunities exist for goods and passenger transportation.

I think aregbesola has vision than oyinlola to believe that if an airport is began in the state, it will enhance socio economic growth of the state. We know how osogbo is b4 and we know how it is now cos osogbo will benefit largely from it. I think I can see that what aregbesola think will make the airport functioning has already been put to place. The FTZ, the tourism drive, agricultural programmes, the new international markets springing up, the industrial park etc which were all started during oyinlola's administration. Its just unfortunate that oyinlola couldnt make the airport exist after embezulling billions of naira on the project.
Ondo state did something of this and become to be a waste of fund. Ibadan, still sufering from it. But states such as delta, gombe, bauchi and now akwa-ibom states did it and flourish from it even till now. Probably this is where we have to say those states runs the airport very well. Kudos to the governors there.
Don't forget that aregbesola himself know that for airport to exist in the state, certain things need to be put in place and that without puting them into place, siting airport in the state will be a waste of fund. Governor oyinlola lack that vision that airport can function in the city and that was why he had to sieze that opportunity to embezle those funds that time. The reverse is the case to aregbesola and I'm sure we all can see that that work is going on there. If asaba, gombe and uyo can have a functional airport be it cargo or passenger why not osogbo.

Airport project must have been completed and put to use. Nice

If it's a country where things work, the state assembly should have carried out an enquiry to find out what happened; if any money was wasted; and who to hold responsible! This is why projects are abandoned.....nobody is held to account for their actions or inactions!

Since 2013? Lord Airpus

NGpatriot how far

Sophistikated people that can't govern themselves, always relying on FG for handouts.

Lagos State despite all the money it gets has the worst road in the country, only inherited FG roads are in good shape.

Ordinary airport, a whole region doesn't boast of any good domestic airport.

Lol, as usual they have used mouth action to build a world class international airport

Almost a decade later only snakes, rats and coacroaches now board flight in the airport jungle

Anambra that started building theirs yesterday has completed it and full scale flights about to commence! Ebonyi that also commenced building theirs yesterday, has reached advanced stage but ndi propaganda and mouth action couldn't even build the perimeter fence, almost a decade after!!!

Come to think of it, ibadan and akure airfields hadly experience any flights. Does it mean that Yorubas don't travel or they can't afford flight ticket

proeast:
Lol, as usual they have used mouth action to build a world class international airport

Almost a decade later only snakes, rats and coacroaches now board flight in the airport jungle

Anambra that started building theirs yesterday has completed it and full scale flights about to commence! Ebonyi that also commenced building theirs yesterday, has reached advanced stage but ndi propaganda and mouth action couldn't even build the perimeter fence, almost a decade after!!!

Come to think of it, ibadan and akure airfields hadly experience any flights. Does it mean that Yorubas don't travel or they can't afford flight ticket

Ahh.

All of them are in Lagos claiming Lagosian and doing Owomida at every junction.

Those that are not at the junctions are either forming unions to inflate prices, in the bush doing cultism, on the streets looking for hard working Igboman to beg money or in hotels fvcking their neighbour's wife.

When will the HELLPORT be completed when satan comes to give lai Muhammad big handshake





North2023
You can wail or bootlick...but it is still North2023

Flights had since commenced at the international wing...
From osogbo to ikoyi...
Other routes coming soon.

proeast:
Lol, as usual they have used mouth action to build a world class international airport

Almost a decade later only snakes, rats and coacroaches now board flight in the airport jungle

Anambra that started building theirs yesterday has completed it and full scale flights about to commence! Ebonyi that also commenced building theirs yesterday, has reached advanced stage but ndi propaganda and mouth action couldn't even build the perimeter fence, almost a decade after!!!

Come to think of it, ibadan and akure airfields hadly experience any flights. Does it mean that Yorubas don't travel or they can't afford flight ticket

They have few middle class that's why

WHERE IS THAT GBAWE BOY SEF

Our IGR headquarters.
Nsogbu dikwa.

You wonder why some people get nightmares whenever they hear Igbos mention Biafra.

Whether una like am or not, all man must dey em dey, last last for this obodo NIGERIA.

Igbo republic is a goal!

OBALOLA55:
WHERE IS THAT GBAWE BOY SEF

The way he and his fellow Yorubas were jubilating and dancing the day Buhari won GEJ.
You would think that Yorubaland would have become USA by now.

I'm sure he has probably cashed out and migrated to Canada or any other cozy Western nation while leaving the whole country to suffer the Buhari calamity they inflicted on all man, thinking they were fighting their imaginary enemies.

with all the phantom IGR figures？ Afonjas and media propaganda sef