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Opinion

Soaring High: Why Ekiti Airport Is A Vision For The Future!

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By Adeoye Aribasoye

To the critics of the cargo airport initiated by Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State, it’s time to reconsider the monumental impact this project could have on our landlocked state. Establishing an airport is not just about aviation; it’s about unlocking opportunities, enhancing connectivity, and fostering growth that we desperately need.

As a landlocked state, Ekiti faces unique challenges in accessing markets and resources. An airport will not only facilitate trade but also boost medical tourism, particularly with the exceptional services offered at the Afe Babalola University Multi-Purpose Hospital. Imagine the possibilities for students and professionals traveling easily to and from the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and innovation hub, creating an environment ripe for creativity and collaboration. As said by Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Part of the concerns raised against the project was issue of Ado – Akure road. It is important to state that an airport in Ekiti and reconstructing the Ado-Akure road are not mutually exclusive; both projects are vital for our development. If we assume that the airport cost approximately N20b, it is still significantly less than the N93 billion allocated for the Ado-Akure road reconstruction, which is still likely to see cost increases due to economic factors from the 2022 estimate when $ was N450 to now when it is N1600. Remember Governor Fayemi worked tirelessly to secure funding through the African Development Bank, it was his collaboration with the likes of Mele Kyari of NNPC, Mohammed Nami of FIRS and the then Minister of Works, Tunde Fashola that ultimately made the road’s reconstruction possible.

While the Ado-Akure road is indeed crucial, it’s important to recognize that the average lifespan of such roads is only 15-20 years. In contrast, the airport infrastructure will last much longer and provide long-term benefits, positioning Ekiti as a hub for trade, tourism, and innovation for generations to come. Without any scintilla of doubt, the airport infrastructure will provide a lasting legacy for future generations. We should remind ourselves of Akure Airport, built in 1981, which has not received any significant upgrades since its inception, yet planes have been landing there consistently. The cost of the Ekiti Airport, at roughly $12 million, makes it one of the most affordable airport projects globally. If we delay this initiative, costs could soar, potentially exceeding N60 billion due to inflation and rising material prices—an opportunity that would likely elude us.

Also, when some Nigerians say there are too many airports in Nigeria, in fact I believe we don’t have nearly enough. A quick google search will show that Nigeria has one of the lowest number of airport per population in the world when you compare with the US that has 14,000 plus airports, Brazil with over 4,000, Mexico with over 1400 and Indonesia with over 700 just to mention a few.

Moreover, the desirability of the airport extends beyond immediate benefits. An airport serves as a magnet for further developments, as evidenced by the establishment of a Nigeria Air Force base in Ekiti. Without the investment in the airport, the NAF would likely not have chosen to set up a base here. This exemplifies how PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY.

On the cost-benefit analysis, it’s clear that Ekiti did not suffer in the short term due to the airport’s construction. Governors Fayemi and Oyebanji prioritized social investments and human capital development, ensuring salaries and pensions were consistently paid. Both administrations implemented free education and health programs, while Fayemi introduced social security benefits for the elderly and launched initiatives like the youth in commercial agriculture scheme and the youth volunteer scheme, all while developing roads, water, and power infrastructure.

Finally, all Ekiti Governors, from Gov. Segun Oni to Gov. Oyebanji, regardless of their varying political affiliations, recognized the significance of establishing the airport as a way to connect Ekiti to the broader world. Praise is due to those who courageously realized this shared aspiration for the state.

Those who fail to grasp this comprehensive approach may remain critical, but posterity will vindicate those who courageously and selflessly propelled Ekiti beyond pedestrian politics.

It is time to champion this vision together!

Opinion

Trump’s Outburst and the Vindication of President Tinubu

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By Foluso Ojo Sylvanus

When Donald Trump sneezes, the political world catches a cold. Love him or loathe him, one thing you can’t deny is his brutal honesty or, to put it more bluntly, his lack of diplomatic restraint. And that, precisely, is what makes his recent action toward Nigeria all the more revealing.

For years, detractors have tried to stain the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with every imaginable accusation from certificate forgery to phantom drug links in the United States. The propaganda was relentless, and many began to wonder if there might be a grain of truth somewhere in the noise. But Trump’s recent behavior has made something crystal clear to me: those allegations are nothing but lies from the pit of hell.

Let’s think about it. As a president of the United States, Trump has access to some of the most classified information in the world. If there were any credible evidence tying Tinubu to those allegations, Trump would know. And knowing his fiery, unfiltered style, he would have wasted no time spilling it to the world especially now that he seems desperate for opportunities to discredit Nigeria and ridicule Tinubu’s government.

But he hasn’t. Not a word. Not a whisper.

That silence speaks louder than a thousand tweets. It tells me that there’s simply nothing there no hidden file, no scandal, no secret waiting to explode. Because if there were, Trump would have been the first to weaponize it.

This is the same Trump who has insulted world leaders without blinking, who has mocked allies and enemies alike, who once called entire nations “shitholes.” Are we to believe that such a man would quietly hold on to damning information about Nigeria’s president out of respect or restraint? Certainly not.

His silence, therefore, becomes an unintended testimony a silent vindication of Tinubu’s integrity.

What this moment reveals is deeper than politics. It exposes how easily falsehood can masquerade as fact in our social media-driven age. For too long, we’ve allowed political opponents to define the narratives that shape our national image abroad. But now, even the world’s most outspoken leader has unintentionally confirmed what many of us have always believed: Tinubu’s story is not one of scandal but of survival, strategy, and statesmanship.

In a strange twist of irony, Donald Trump a man not exactly known for diplomacy may have just done more to clear President Tinubu’s name than all the press conferences in Abuja combined.

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Health

Mould: The Silent Threat to Health and Homes

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By Huldah Shado

 

Mould is a type of fungus found naturally both indoors and outdoors. While it plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter in nature, its presence in homes and workplaces can cause serious health and structural problems.

Mould spreads through microscopic spores that thrive in warm, damp environments, forming colonies on walls, ceilings, fabrics, and furniture.

Moisture is the leading cause of mould growth. Leaking roofs, broken pipes, flooding, or poor ventilation create ideal conditions for it to thrive.

Materials like paper, wood, and textiles easily absorb moisture, becoming breeding grounds for mould.

In humid regions like Nigeria, the risk is higher, particularly in buildings with poor ventilation or drainage.

Prolonged exposure to mould can trigger coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, and skin rashes. For people with asthma, allergies, or weak immune systems, the effects can be severe, leading to respiratory complications.

Some moulds even produce toxic mycotoxins, which can cause chronic illness if inhaled or ingested over time.

Beyond health concerns, mould weakens surfaces, causes discolouration, peeling paint, and unpleasant odours, and can lead to costly structural damage if ignored.

Early detection and prompt action are essential. Prevention remains the best defense.

Fix leaks quickly, dry wet areas, and ensure proper ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Regular cleaning and inspection of hidden areas can also help.

Ultimately, controlling moisture is key. A clean, dry, and well-ventilated home is not only healthier, it safeguards comfort, property, and peace of mind.

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Opinion

How Ignoring Tech Skills Could End Your Career

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By Onilede Titi Faith

The 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report projects that industrial, demographic, and technological shifts will displace about 92 million jobs globally within the next five years, while creating around 170 million new ones.

The future of work is not shrinking, but it is radically transforming.

A joint study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Poland’s NASK shows that one in four jobs worldwide is being reshaped by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

Though this doesn’t always mean job loss, it demands a major shift in required skills.

Similarly, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), reports that jobs most exposed to AI see their skill requirements evolve 66% faster than others.

Without active upskilling, many professionals could quickly find their expertise outdated.

A Business Insider investigation further revealed that entry-level hiring in sectors like tech, finance, and consulting is declining as AI now handles tasks once assigned to junior staff.

Choosing not to acquire digital and tech-oriented skills is no longer an option-it’s a risk. Even if your job isn’t automated, the tasks that define it might be.

Experts recommend continuous learning in areas such as digital marketing, data analytics, AI literacy, and cross-platform advertising.

At the same time, nurturing human-centric skills; storytelling, creativity, strategy, and empathy, remains essential, as these are where machines still fall short.

In today’s fast-evolving world, the message is clear: learn, adapt, or be left behind.

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