Tinubu, Obasanjo, Akpabio Laud Abiodun at Gateway Airport Inauguration

By Brown Chimezie,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday praised Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for what they described as his transformative leadership and efforts in reshaping the state’s infrastructure landscape, particularly through the construction of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan.

.The commendations came as President Tinubu officially inaugurated the airport and the state-owned Gateway Airline, alongside several other landmark projects, including roads and housing developments across the state.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu commended Governor Abiodun for what he called his visionary leadership and prudent use of resources, saying the governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by both the people of Ogun State and the presidency.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity we have today to celebrate the remarkable vision of a governor and his predecessors. Today, we are commissioning the economic nerve centre of this corridor,” Tinubu said.
“In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism in advancing the growth of Nigeria.

We celebrate you for your contributions to national development.
“I have no regret whatsoever in what we have done with you.
“As your President, I am pleased to see that the increase in revenue from federal allocation is being effectively and judiciously deployed to build our country. I congratulate the people of this great state for supporting a government that is delivering measurable progress, and I thank you for your continued faith in our country.”

The President said his administration’s investments were people-centred, adding that Nigeria was being liberated from years of mismanagement and regaining its place in the comity of nations.
“The Lord is liberating Nigeria from the past mismanagement. We are back as a nation—well respected and highly recognised,” he said.

Tinubu also noted that the Gateway Airport would boost investments in gas, energy, and commerce, while commending the Ogun governor for ensuring that development reaches all sectors of the state’s economy.
He further praised Abiodun’s agricultural initiatives and the rollout of 1,000 electric motorcycles, describing the intervention as “a smart response to modern transportation needs.”

Former President Obasanjo, who also addressed the gathering, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in Ogun State’s history and applauded Governor Abiodun for delivering what he called a landmark project.
Obasanjo, who said he flew into the airport from Abuja, noted its strategic advantage and convenience.

“I landed here from Abuja, and it took me just 45 minutes from here to my home, which is at least 25 minutes shorter than if I had landed in Lagos,” he said.
“I want to thank our governor for making us proud with what we are commissioning today. I am happy to be a witness to this historic occasion.”

The former President, who recalled being part of the “conspiracy” that led to the creation of Ogun State 50 years ago, said few could have imagined the state would attain its current level of development.
He also commended President Tinubu’s reforms, saying they had improved the fiscal fortunes of states and enabled developmental strides such as those being witnessed in Ogun.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described President Tinubu’s presence at the event as deeply symbolic and a reflection of the Federal Government’s support for subnational development.
He said the President’s economic reforms and Renewed Hope Agenda had repositioned Nigeria as a competitive and attractive investment destination.

“Your leadership has inspired confidence in both local and international investors and has placed our nation firmly on the path of sustainable growth,” Abiodun said.
The governor explained that upon assuming office, his administration identified infrastructure as the key to unlocking Ogun State’s economic potential, particularly given its strategic proximity to Lagos.

He said the state had since pursued deliberate policies aimed at closing the infrastructure gap, enhancing trade mobility, and driving industrial expansion.
“Ogun is today one of the fastest-growing economies in Nigeria, and that growth is anchored on deliberate policies that promote infrastructure and economic development,” he said.
Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements, Abiodun said Ogun State had constructed or rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometres of roads in the last seven years.

According to him, major projects include the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto Expressway, Sango-Abeokuta Expressway, Sagamu-Iperu-Ode Remo-Sapade Expressway, the Ilishan-Iperu Road, and the Airport Road linking the facility to the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.
“Beyond aviation, we have made remarkable progress in road infrastructure, all aimed at improving connectivity and reducing travel time across the state,” he said.

On housing, the governor said the administration had delivered over 7,000 affordable housing units, including the Muhammadu Buhari Estate, with the projects creating jobs and helping many residents transition from tenants to homeowners.
In the health sector, Abiodun disclosed that the state had completed and equipped 140 Primary Healthcare Centres and had also completed the 200-bed Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, which he said would be affiliated with the Abuja Medical Centre of Excellence.
He said the facility would provide advanced medical services, reduce medical tourism abroad, and position Ogun as a destination for quality healthcare.

Abiodun also said the state had made major investments in the power sector, including the first phase of the 34.1-megawatt Onijanganjangan Independent Power Project, to strengthen energy supply and support industrial growth.
In agriculture, he said the state was deepening mechanised farming through the provision of modern tractors and other interventions aimed at boosting food security.

The governor further highlighted the administration’s investment in security, including the deployment of 100 patrol vehicles and other operational support for security agencies.
He added that Ogun’s adoption of electric mobility solutions reflects its commitment to energy transition, environmental sustainability, and modern urban transportation, especially amid rising fuel costs.

The event attracted a host of dignitaries from across the country, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; governors of Zamfara, Bayelsa, Taraba, Ekiti, Ondo, Niger, and Lagos states; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; and Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Also in attendance were former Ogun State governors Senator Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Chief Olusegun Osoba; Chairman of ANN Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Ambassador Femi Pedro; Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; and businessman Femi Otedola.

Others present included the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi; and other top government officials, captains of industry, and traditional leaders.