12/07/2025
Breaking News: Makinde, you are our last beacon of hope—concessionaires demand urgent action!
Residents and property owners along Airport Road in Ibadan recently took to the streets to express their concerns about the new perimeter fence project associated with the local airport's upgrade to international status. The demonstration, which featured numerous placards with messages such as "OUR GOVERNOR PLEASE DON’T NAKED US" and "OUR GOVERNOR YOU ARE OUR LAST HOPE," aimed to draw the attention of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Alh. Tirimisiyu Banji, a spokesperson for the concessionaires in the area, raised significant concerns about the potential impact of the fence on local investments, noting that many developments worth billions of naira could be adversely affected. He emphasized that prior discussions with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had assured that the fence would consist of two to three coaches plus wire, designed to allow visibility for properties behind the fence. However, the residents are now worried that the current fence design may cut off access to the community and their businesses entirely.
Mr. Alabi Oluseye, another participant in the protest, expressed the community’s appreciation for the positive developments brought by Governor Makinde but urged for open communication between the government and the community. He highlighted the importance of finding a solution that accommodates both the ongoing developments and the needs of the local residents and concessionaires. The community is keen on engaging in dialogue to ensure that their concerns are heard and considered in the planning and ex*****on of the fencing project.
