By: Odeh Favour
The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has donated a primary healthcare centre and a solar-powered borehole to the Aso-Ayegunle community in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The gesture is part of the airline’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at giving back to society and strengthening its relationship with the state.
Speaking on Monday during the official inauguration and handover of the projects to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Okonkwo stated that the decision to construct the facilities followed a resolution by the airline’s management team during an annual retreat in the state in January.
He explained that the facilities were sited in the community, located near the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, as part of efforts to leave a lasting impact following business engagements with the state.
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.”
Okonkwo commended Governor Oyebanji for approving the necessary support within 48 hours, noting that the foundation stone was laid before the airline’s delegation departed the state after its retreat in February.
He highlighted that United Nigeria Airlines ensured local participation by giving skilled residents of Aso-Ayegunle the opportunity to participate in the construction.
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.”
Reaffirming the airline’s long-term commitment, Okonkwo added, “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.”
He further noted that the airline’s relationship with Ekiti extended beyond commercial considerations. He disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines is 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, Governor Oyebanji commended the airline’s management and its chairman for the donation, describing it as a vital contribution to the development of Aso-Ayegunle and Ekiti State.
The governor explained that under the arrangement, Okonkwo built the healthcare facility, while the state government would equip it and provide the necessary manpower and consumables for its daily 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,” he added.
The governor urged the community to take ownership of the facility, protect it, and make proper use of its services.
He also called on traditional rulers and residents to continue supporting government initiatives and private investors, stating that the development of the airport should bring socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities.
Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to encouraging investments that create jobs, improve livelihoods, and spur statewide development.
He said, “We appreciate United Nigeria Airlines for supporting this vision, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, Prince Peter Falade thanked United Nigeria Airlines for the donations, stating that the facilities would significantly improve living conditions and bring essential health 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,” he added.
Falade concluded, “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.”
