United Nigeria Airlines Donates Healthcare Centre, Solar Borehole to Ekiti Community

United Nigeria Airlines has donated a primary healthcare centre and a solar-powered borehole to Aso-Ayegunle community in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

The projects were facilitated by the airline’s Executive Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and formally handed over to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Monday.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Okonkwo said the initiative followed a decision by the airline’s management to make a lasting contribution to the community, which is located near the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

He explained that the idea emerged during the airline’s annual retreat in Ekiti State, when the management decided to identify the community’s most pressing needs and provide practical support.

According to Okonkwo, residents identified access to clean water and primary healthcare as major challenges, prompting the airline to undertake the construction of both facilities.

He commended Governor Oyebanji for approving the necessary support within 48 hours, adding that the foundation stone was laid before the airline’s delegation left the state following its retreat in February.

The airline chairman also disclosed that about 90 per cent of the project work was handled by people from the community who possessed the relevant skills. He said the approach was intended to ensure that residents benefited directly from the development initiative.

Okonkwo stressed that the donation would not mark the end of the airline’s relationship with Aso-Ayegunle, noting that the company intended to monitor the projects’ impact and consider further support as additional needs emerged.

He added that United Nigeria Airlines was working towards expanding its cargo operations to support Ekiti’s agricultural economy and improve the transportation of farm produce to wider markets.

Inaugurating the facilities, Oyebanji praised the airline for supporting the development of the community, describing the initiative as an example of the benefits of collaboration between government and private organisations.

The governor explained that while Okonkwo and the airline provided the healthcare centre, the state government would equip the facility and supply the personnel, medical consumables and other resources required for its daily operations.

Oyebanji also said his administration had rehabilitated, remodelled or constructed approximately 180 health centres across Ekiti State in the past four years as part of efforts to improve access to primary healthcare.

He urged residents and community leaders to protect the donated facilities and ensure they were properly maintained and used. He also noted that the development of the nearby cargo airport should create employment opportunities, improve infrastructure and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities.

Speaking on behalf of Aso-Ayegunle residents, Prince Peter Falade thanked United Nigeria Airlines and the state government for the projects.

Falade said the new healthcare centre would reduce the difficulties residents face when travelling elsewhere for medical attention, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people requiring urgent treatment.

He also welcomed the solar-powered borehole, describing access to clean water as essential to public health and community well-being. He assured the airline and government that residents would protect the facilities and hoped for further development projects.