Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Action Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has denied claims that the Federal Government provided ₦50 billion to support the expansion of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan. According to Makinde, the project was fully funded by the state. The denial comes after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, claimed that the President Bola Tinubu administration had provided the funds to upgrade the airport to international standards.
Makinde made the clarification at the APM 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina, emphasizing that the ₦50 billion claim was false. He stated that the Ibadan Airport upgrade project is being undertaken 100 percent with the funds of Oyo State. The governor's statement aims to set the record straight and avoid any misconception about the source of funding for the project.
During the town hall meeting, Makinde also discussed his proposed "Reset Agenda," focusing on the economy, education, security, and the distribution of responsibilities among the different levels of government. He emphasized the need to build an economy capable of operating round the clock, arguing that natural resources alone are insufficient without skills, knowledge, and intensive production.
Makinde's "Reset Agenda" also includes plans to address insecurity and the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State. He questioned whether poverty and limited economic opportunities were contributing to illegal mining and argued that measures to curb the activity should address both the supply and demand sides. The governor proposed changes to the management of Nigeria's mining sector, suggesting that mining should be devolved to the states while the Federal Government retains an oversight role.
On education, Makinde stated that a government led by him would focus on obtaining reliable data on out-of-school children and developing measures to return them to classrooms. He also emphasized the importance of an issue-based campaign, urging Nigerians to obtain their permanent voter cards and participate in the 2027 election.
APM vice-presidential candidate Lawal Daura and National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle also spoke at the town hall meeting, highlighting the challenges facing the North-West and Nigeria, including insecurity and poverty. They called for collective action to address these issues and urged citizens to support efforts to restore normal economic and social activities.
Makinde also addressed concerns about presidential absences from the country, stating that he would comply with Section 145 of the Constitution if elected president. He promised to transmit power to the Vice President if he is unable to discharge the functions of office, emphasizing the importance of following the Constitution to the letter.
Key points
- Makinde denies receiving ₦50 billion from FG for Ibadan airport expansion
- Governor proposes devolution of mining to states with federal oversight
- Makinde outlines "Reset Agenda" focusing on economy, education, and security
