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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has called for stronger partnerships between government, private investors and host communities to accelerate development, following the airline’s donation of a community health centre, a solar-powered borehole and a perimeter fence to Aso-Ayegunle, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Okonkwo made the call during the commissioning of the projects, explaining that the intervention was part of the Airline’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to improve the welfare of communities around the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
He described the projects as a demonstration of how private companies could complement government efforts to improve the lives of host communities.
The Executive Chairman commended the Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, for creating an enabling environment for private investment, noting that the state government selected United Nigeria Airlines as its aviation partner after evaluating the company’s operations and capabilities.
He said the governor’s prompt response to requests and support for the organisation had strengthened the partnership, adding that approvals were often secured within 48 hours.
Okonkwo explained that his decision to support Aso-Ayegunle followed the airline’s annual retreat at Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resorts in January, which brought more than 70 members of its team to Ekiti State for nearly a week.
He said he felt inspired during the retreat to make a lasting contribution to the host community rather than leave without creating a positive impact. “The Holy Spirit taught me that it was not enough simply to finish the retreat and leave. We should leave a mark here,” he said.
He said the airline consulted relevant stakeholders before embarking on the projects to ensure they addressed the community’s actual needs.
According to him, discussions with retired Air Vice Marshal Makinde helped identify access to clean water and primary healthcare as priorities for the host community.
Okonkwo said the company consequently decided to provide both a solar-powered borehole and a community health centre, adding that the foundation stone was laid before the airline’s team left Ekiti after the retreat.
He also praised Oyebanji for sustaining the airport project initiated by his predecessor, describing the decision as an example of continuity in governance.
He commended the governor for bringing former governors and traditional rulers together at official events, saying the approach demonstrated the importance of political cooperation and fairness in public leadership.
Okonkwo said the intervention was an example of a successful government-private sector partnership and assured the state that United Nigeria Airlines would continue to support Ekiti’s aviation development.
He pledged to accelerate plans to develop cargo operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce to wider markets. “We are going to hasten and facilitate the process of developing our cargo operations to make sure we serve Ekiti State for all its aviation needs,” he said.
He added that private investment depended not only on government support but also on the cooperation of host communities. Okonkwo disclosed that about 90 per cent of the jobs created during the construction of the donated facilities were handled by local residents, except where specialised skills were required.
He assured the community that the airline would monitor the projects’ impact and consider further interventions based on residents’ needs.
Also, speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji thanked United Nigeria Airlines for the investment, describing it as evidence of the benefits of public-private partnerships. He said the health centre complemented his administration’s efforts to expand access to primary healthcare, noting that about 180 health centres had been rehabilitated, remodelled or newly constructed across the state in the preceding four years.
Oyebanji promised to equip the health facility with the necessary medical equipment, personnel and consumables to ensure effective healthcare delivery. “A building alone does not treat, and it does not heal. I therefore charge the community to take ownership and use it well,” the governor said, urging residents to protect the facilities and make effective use of the health centre.
The governor also called on traditional rulers and community members to cooperate with government and investors to attract more development projects to their areas.
He said the state would continue to encourage investments capable of creating jobs, improving livelihoods and ensuring that communities around the airport benefited from its economic activities.
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, commended Okonkwo and United Nigeria Airlines for the intervention and urged residents to protect and maintain the facilities. The monarch also called on prominent Ekiti indigenes to invest in the state, stressing that sustainable development required collective commitment from government, businesses and individuals.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Prince Peter Falade, appreciated the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines for donating the health center and solar- powered borehole, describing the interventions as important contributions towards improving residents of the community.
Falade said the community was grateful for the airport project, which had brought development opportunities closer to Aso-Ayegunle, and commended the airline for remembering its host community.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for personally attending the commissioning, saying his presence demonstrated concern for grassroots development.
He pledged that the community’s continued support for the governor’s administration and promised that residents would make good use of the facilities.
The Head of Service in the state, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, said the health centre would improve access to maternal and child healthcare, immunisation and other essential medical services. She stressed the need for adequate medical personnel and equipment to complement the infrastructure, while the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Honourable Oyeniyi, described the commissioning as an important milestone for Ekiti State and commended the airline for contributing to community development.
Residents of Aso-Ayegunle welcomed the donation, saying the health centre would bring essential medical services closer to their homes and reduce the difficulties associated with travelling long distances to access healthcare.
They highlighted the expected benefits for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and residents requiring urgent medical attention, while expressing hope that the solar-powered borehole would improve access to clean water.
Okonkwo reiterated that the commissioning would not mark the end of the airline’s engagement with Aso-Ayegunle, promising that the company would assess the impact of the projects and explore further support where necessary.
He said the development of the airport and its surrounding communities could create wider opportunities for residents and future generations, while thanking the state government and community members for supporting the partnership.
The foundation laying of the health centre took place in February, 2026 construction of the solar-powered borehole and the construction of the center commenced on July 14. The building was completed on September 30th.
