MKO International Airport:Will Jackson Break The Jinx ?

By Sola Fanawopo

The Ido-Osun, community , Egbedore local government of Osun State began its journey into limelight when soldiers of the British Empire and Nigeria Army constructed an airstrip within the community’s domain, where war veterans, who fought World War II, were airlifted with cargo planes to the battlefronts.

Decades after this historical feat of Ido-Osun, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola attempted to construct a modern airport at the same expanse of land…..he failed.

His successor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made so much noise and actually awarded the contract for the construction of the MKO Abiola International Airport. He failed too. Understandably, the project wasn’t a priority for the Gboyega Oyetola’s administration..

Can Adomola Jackson Adeleke, the governor-elect break the jinx?

I have a feeling that he will.

He will love to make it one of his signature projects. The eventual completion of Ekiti and Ogun airports means that Osun would be the only state in the South West without an airport……shame !

Jackson Adeleke won’t take that…but I really don’t know. Abiola International Airport, also known as Ido-Osun Airport, is currently under construction.

The airport was originally set to open in May-2014. Abiola International will serve Nigeria’s Osun State and will feature a 3000m runway.

Dec-2020.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation reported Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola met with Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika to discuss support for Ido Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Airport.

Nov-2017.

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Airport’s first phase of construction will be finished in approximately eight months, according to contractor All Works of Life (AWOL) International Limited.

Oct-2017.

Nigeria’s Osun chief of staff for the state governor Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola stated a 30 year concession agreement was signed with All Works of Life (AWOL) International Limited to complete the NGN69 million (USD191,401) construction of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Airport.

AWOL International Limited anticipates finishing the project’s first phase within an eight month period, in coordination with Turkish company Biray Group.

The government expects to take permanent ownership of the airport once the concession concludes.

Aug-2017. 28-Aug-2017.

Nigeria’s Osun chief of staff of the state governor Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola stated the current administration will ensure the the construction of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Airport is complete before Osun state governor Rauf Aregbesola leaves office in 2018, pointing to the widespread social and economic benefits associated with such infrastructure.

22-Aug-2017.

Turkey’s ambassador to Nigeria Hakan Cakil reportedly stated the Turkish government is willing to partner with the Osun state government to complete Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Airport, as part of a greater cooperation on trade, commerce and industrial matters

Feb-2016.

Nigeria’s Ido Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola appealed to the Federal Government to make available the counterpart funds for the proposed Ido Osun Abiola International Airport’s development project. Mr Aregbesola also appeal to the government to fulfil its commitment towards the project.

Jan-2016.

Nigeria’s Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola revised the value of the contract for the transformation of Ido-Osun Airport into an international capable facility from NGN4.5 billion (USD22.6 million) to NGN15.5 billion (USD77.8 million), according to Peoples Democratic Party media and strategy director Diran Odeyemi in Mar-2015.

Nigerian Air Force Holding Company, the public private partnership commercial company operated by the Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services of the Nigerian Air Force and Solicom Engineering Nigeria, reported the development of Abiola International Airport is on schedule. The project is being carried out in partnership with the Osun State Government.

The NGN4.5 billion (USD22.6 million) airport project includes a 3000m runway, a dedicated passenger terminal and air traffic control tower