Date: 2017-01-05

The Kwara State Government has pledged to put measures in place to support the operational efficiency of Ilorin International Airport through synergy with Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.

The Secretary to the Government of Kwara State, Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold who gave the assurance today while receiving the General Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the Airport, pledged the State Government's support for the general improvement of the Airport.

He said the Kwara State Government is ready to collaborate with the management of the Airport Authority and other relevant agencies to enlighten intending pilgrims on anti-social behavior and practices in the State.

The SSG emphasized that both the Government and the Airport Authority must work together to improve the operational standard of the Airport.

Alhaji Gold also expressed regret with what happened during the last Hajj Operation and urged the relevant security agencies to redouble efforts to prevent a re-occurrence.

Responding, the General Manager of the Airport, Alh Ibrahim AbdulAzeez, expressed appreciation and thanked the SSG for finding time to meet with the officials of the Airport and called on the State Government to look into the problems facing the management of the Airport.

According to the General Manager, the Airport Authority is equally ready to form a strong partnership with the State Government to move the Airport forward. He used the medium to call on the State Government for logistic support in the area of operational vehicles to ease the movement of security personnel in and around the Airport. He further explained that efforts are now on to acquire screening equipment and other items from the Federal Government to aid their operations.

He also appealed to the general public to avoid encroaching into the premises of the Airport.

Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer, Aviation Security, Alhaji Amao T Aderemi called on the State Government to come to the aid of the Airport management with the view of improving operational standard of the Airport.

Alh. Aderemi used the occasion to thank the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for constituting a five man committee to monitor the last Hajj operation and suggested that such be replicated in the State.