In a significant milestone for Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, has secured the approval of President Bola Tinubu to upgrade Ibadan Airport to an international status, paving the way for increased economic development and regional integration.

He made this known on Wednesday, while receiving the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde said he would be heading to the Federal Capital Territory Abuja later today to get necessary documentation to that effect, assuring that work on the project would commence as soon all documentation had been perfected.

He said further that the runway will be expanded and a new terminal will be built when the project commences, adding that a team had been constituted to implement the project which he said would boost the economy of the state.

Governor Makinde solicited the input of personnel of the Air Force in the state in ensuring that the project meets the required operating standards.

Recall that Governor 'Seyi Makinde during state of the state address recently, promised that pilgrims from the state for the 2024 Hajj will airlifted from the Ibadan Airport.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar earlier in his remarks, said he was in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital as part of operational tour to Air Force formations across the country.

He commended Governor Makinde for his administration's support to the armed forces especially the Air Force Base in the state.