Olawunmi Ajibike
President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his administration’s developmental strides, particularly the establishment of the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Ilishan.
The commendations came during the official inauguration of the airport by President Tinubu, alongside the unveiling of the state-owned Gateway Airline and other major infrastructure projects, including roads and housing developments.
Tinubu, speaking at the event, praised Abiodun’s leadership and vision, noting that the governor had justified the confidence placed in him by both the presidency and the people of Ogun State. He described the airport as a critical economic hub, highlighting the administration’s effective use of increased federal allocations for impactful development.
“In less than seven years, you have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism to grow Nigeria,” Tinubu said,
commending the governor’s contributions to national development and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic progress and stability.
The President also linked the airport project to broader investments in energy and transportation, while applauding initiatives such as agricultural development and the rollout of electric bikes as innovative responses to modern challenges.
In his remarks, Obasanjo described the airport as a landmark achievement and a significant milestone in Ogun State’s history. Reflecting on his experience, he noted the reduced travel time from the airport to his residence compared to Lagos, underscoring the project’s practical benefits.
He expressed pride in the state’s transformation, recalling its creation five decades ago and acknowledging the remarkable progress made under the current administration.
Akpabio, on his part, lauded Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that they had improved financial stability across states. He also commended Abiodun for prudently managing resources and delivering impactful projects, including the airport.
An elated Abiodun described Tinubu’s presence as symbolic and inspiring, attributing renewed investor confidence to the President’s economic policies. He emphasized that his administration focused on bridging infrastructure gaps to fully leverage Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos.
The governor highlighted achievements across multiple sectors, including over 1,600 kilometres of road construction and rehabilitation, thousands of affordable housing units, improved healthcare facilities, enhanced power supply, and strengthened agricultural practices.
He noted that the Gateway Airport and Airline form part of a broader vision to position Ogun State as a leading hub for investment, transportation, and economic growth.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including governors from across the country, former Ogun State leaders, top government officials, and prominent business figures, reflecting the national significance of the occasion.