"Money Well Spent” - Kayode Ojo Commends Ekiti Airport, Says Oyebanji has Done Well

Former APC governorship aspirant, Engineer Kayode Ojo, has commended Ekiti State government and praised the Ekiti State Airport as an investment that will drive economic growth, describing it as “MONEY WELL SPENT.”

Ojo made this statement during his first flight from the airport, acknowledging the project’s impact and the foresight behind it.

“Yes, money well spent,” he affirmed when asked about his impression of the facility.

When pressed further on whether he would commend the state government for the project, Ojo admitted to being a strong supporter of the initiative from its inception.

“Well, I was one of the people that encouraged former Governor Fayemi to start this airport, and my money is in this airport, although very little,” he revealed.

Ojo, who is aspiring to challenge the current governor in the 2026 governorship election, emphasized the economic importance of the airport.

“Airport is a catalyst to economic development, so this is one of the landmark projects that the state needs to embark on. This is a good project,” he stated.

He also disclosed that conversations were already happening around boosting air travel for Ekiti people, revealing a discussion with former Governor Niyi Adebayo.

“I will leak a secret to you, I was having a conversation with Otunba Niyi Adebayo about this airport, and he suggested that maybe a few of us who have the privilege can come together, buy aircraft, and then lease them to airlines. That way, we can have discounted flights for Ekiti people to use the airport. I am sure that is something we can revive now that the airport is functioning.”

When asked to clarify whether he was fully in support of the project, Ojo did not hesitate.

“Absolutely, 100 percent,” he affirmed.

On the future of the airport and what it means for Ekiti, he expressed optimism.

“There'll be lot of activities, the airport will be busy, by the grace of God,” he predicted 

Beyond just being an infrastructural achievement, Ojo stated the airport’s role in transforming Ekiti’s economy from a civil-service-dependent state to a more productive and investment-friendly environment.

“The airport is there, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We have to build our state and country. We need modern infrastructure because that is what drives the economy. If you do not have infrastructure, you are going nowhere,” he said.

“This is one of the critical infrastructures, very necessary for Ekiti’s economic development and business transformation. It will help us transition from a civil servant state to a productive economy where the private sector will thrive. That’s why I keyed into this project since Dr. Fayemi told me about it in 2020, around COVID time. I told him this airport is critical, tell me whatever you need me to do.”

Ojo’s remarks come as a validation of the Oyebanji administration’s continuity agenda, reinforcing that even political opponents recognize the strides being made in Ekiti. 

His unexpected commendation raises an important question: If a strong contender for 2026 can acknowledge progress, why change a performing government?