L-R: The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye; United Nigeria Airlines Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo; and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, during the inauguration of the healthcare
The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has donated a primary healthcare centre and a solar-powered borehole to Aso-Ayegunle community in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, as part of efforts to give back to society and strengthen ties with the state.
He said the decision to provide the facilities to the community, located near the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, followed the airline management team’s resolve to leave a lasting impact on the community during an annual retreat in Ekiti State in January.
Speaking on Monday at Aso-Ayegunle during the official inauguration and handover of the facilities to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Okonkwo said the projects were part of the airline’s corporate social responsibility initiative, following its business engagements with the state and its appreciation of the support received from the Oyebanji administration.
He said, “We asked what the community needed, and we were told that access to water was a challenge and that a primary healthcare centre would also be beneficial. We decided to provide both because they are important to the people.”
He commended Oyebanji for approving the necessary support within 48 hours, adding that the foundation stone was laid before the airline’s delegation left the state after its retreat in February.
According to him, United Nigeria Airlines ensured that residents of Aso-Ayegunle with the necessary skills were given opportunities to participate in the construction of the facilities.
He said, “About 90 per cent of the work on the projects was handled by people from the community. Local participation is essential to ensuring that residents directly benefit from development initiatives.
“This is not the end of our relationship with this community. We are not handing over the keys and walking away. We will continue to assess the impact of these projects and explore other ways of supporting the people when additional needs arise.”
Okonkwo said the airline’s relationship with Ekiti, which went beyond commercial considerations, had strengthened its resolve to contribute to the well-being of residents.
He added that United Nigeria Airlines was working towards developing its cargo operations to support Ekiti’s agricultural economy and facilitate the movement of farm produce to wider markets.
Inaugurating the projects, Oyebanji commended the airline’s management and its chairman for the gesture, describing it as a contribution to the development of Aso-Ayegunle and Ekiti State.
The governor said the arrangement was for Okonkwo to build the healthcare facility, while the state government would equip it and provide the manpower and consumables required for its day-to-day operations.
Oyebanji said, “This project demonstrates the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector. Government cannot do everything alone; we need responsible investors and organisations that are willing to contribute to the welfare of the people.
“In the last four years, our administration has rehabilitated, remodelled or constructed about 180 health centres across Ekiti State as part of our efforts to improve access to primary healthcare.”
The governor urged the community to take ownership of the facility, protect it and make proper use of its services.
He also urged traditional rulers and community members to continue supporting government initiatives and private investors, saying the development of the airport should bring benefits to surrounding communities through employment, improved infrastructure and other economic opportunities.
Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to encouraging investments that create jobs, improve livelihoods and contribute to the development of Ekiti State.
He said, “We appreciate United Nigeria Airlines for supporting this vision, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, Prince Peter Falade thanked United Nigeria Airlines for donating the healthcare centre and solar-powered borehole, saying the facilities would improve living conditions and bring essential services closer to residents.
He said, “Before now, accessing medical attention could be difficult for residents who had to travel to other places for treatment. The new health centre will reduce these difficulties, especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people who require urgent medical attention.
“We are also happy about the solar-powered borehole because access to clean water is important to the health and well-being of every community.
“We thank Governor Oyebanji and United Nigeria Airlines for remembering Aso-Ayegunle. We promise to protect and maintain these facilities and hope that more development projects will come to our community.”