….commissions Gateway International Airport, other projects in Ogun
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday declared that his administration will crush banditry and ensure Nigeria overcomes all forms of insecurity.
Tinubu who gave this declaration while speaking at a reception shortly after he officially inaugurated the Gateway International Airport, two state owned aircraft under Gateway Air, Gateway Aviation Housing Scheme, Iperu Remo, Ilishan-Airport Road and other projects, said his administration would continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of the country to intensify fight against insecurity.
“We will win banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria to intensify our fight against banditry and overcome insecurity”, the president stated.
The president explained that the Gateway International Airport, which he described as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria’s corridor, will boost the not only the aviation sector, but the socioeconomic development of Ogun in particular and Nigeria in general.
Tinubu expressed his excitement that Ogun under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun is utilizing the improved federal allocations to build industrial and infrastructural projects capable of catapulting the state to enviable economic heights.
He further lauded the governor for his demonstration to commitment, vision, passion and patriotism to contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria.
While noting that his administration’s investment and infrastructure development drive is people-centred, Tinubu said that the sacrifice being made by Nigerians today is for a prosperous tomorrow.
The president emphasized that the various reforms embarked upon by his government have saved Nigeria from the pains of mismanagement and maladministration by past governments in the country.
Tinubu, who stated that the airport project is separately connected to independent power through the huge investment in gas infrastructure by his administration, lauded the Ogun State government for making a giant leap in the economic development of the country.
“Today, we also virtually commissioned several projects. This airport project is integrated with independent investments in gas and energy, alongside other initiatives designed to impact every level of society.
“I am particularly pleased with the focus on mobility, security, and agriculture. The introduction of modern transportation solutions, including new vehicles, reflects a shift toward innovation and improved daily life. Strengthening security infrastructure reinforces our resolve to protect lives and property. We will overcome violence and terrorism.
“I assure you that we will continue to make progress. Nigeria is determined to be great, and we are firmly on the path to achieving that greatness once again”, Tinubu stated.
Governor Abiodun in his address, thanked the president for the support he has been given to the state in ensuring that it lives up to its sobriquet – the Gateway State.
Abiodun added that several projects and interventions of the Federal Government sited in the state have continued to serve as a guiding compass for the state government.
The governor, however, said that the airport and other projects inaugurated by the president were delivered to enhance and drive the socioeconomic development, and boost aviation cargo businesses.
“Ogun State today stands as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economies. Over the past seven years, our internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while our GDP has increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion.
“The Gateway International Airport stands as a defining legacy of this administration. Built from the ground up and now fully operational, it features a nearly four-kilometre runway capable of handling large aircraft, a modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities. It is the centerpiece of our emerging aerotropolis.
“Today’s ceremony also marks the launch of Gateway Airlines, beginning operations with Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services aimed at boosting trade and logistics.
“Beyond aviation, we have constructed or rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometres of roads, significantly improving connectivity across key economic corridors.
“In housing, we have delivered over 7,000 affordable homes. In healthcare, we have completed more than 140 primary healthcare centres and a 200-bed medical centre of excellence, positioning Ogun as a hub for medical services”, the governor said.
Abiodun who pointed out that the economic reforms of President Tinubu have restored investors confidence in Nigeria and improved fiscal flow, submitted that his administration will not relent in its efforts to further position Ogun as the best industrial and economic hub in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, observed that the Ogun State government wouldn’t have achieved the feat if not for a vibrant and supportive legislature.
While commending Governor Abiodun for actualizing the airport project, he praised President Tinubu for providing an exemplary leadership that has repositioned the country.
Also speaking, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed delight that the airport project came to fruition. He applauded the president for his visit to Ogun to commission the airport and other projects, which he described as unique and important in the history of the state.
The event was attended by several state governors, including Niger, Bornu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Taraba, Bayelsa, members of the National Assembly, captains of industry, traditional and religious leaders.
