Abiodun Takes Centre Stage As Tinubu, Obasanjo, Akpabio Hail Gateway Airport Milestone

Governor Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR took centre stage on Saturday as President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu , former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended his administration’s transformative strides, particularly in the aviation sector, following the inauguration of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan.

The event, which also featured the launch of the state-owned Gateway Airline and the commissioning of several infrastructure projects, highlighted what leaders described as a bold step in repositioning Ogun State as a major economic and logistics hub.

President Tinubu, while inaugurating the airport, praised Governor Abiodun for his vision and commitment to development, noting that his administration had demonstrated purposeful leadership within a relatively short period. He described the project as a critical economic asset, commending the governor for effectively utilising resources to deliver impactful infrastructure.

The President further highlighted the broader significance of the airport, linking it to ongoing investments in energy, agriculture, and transportation, while also applauding initiatives such as the deployment of electric bikes and support for modern mobility solutions.

Former President Obasanjo, who attended the ceremony, described the airport as a landmark achievement and a defining moment in the state’s history. He commended Abiodun for delivering a project of such magnitude, noting the time-saving advantage it offers compared to landing in Lagos. He also praised both the governor and the President for policies that have strengthened economic stability and improved governance outcomes.

Senate President Akpabio also aligned with the commendations, acknowledging the governor’s contributions to infrastructure development and economic growth in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the President’s presence as symbolic and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development. He noted that the airport project was conceived as part of a broader strategy to maximise Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos and close critical infrastructure gaps.

The governor highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 1,600 kilometres of roads across the state, major corridors such as the Sagamu–Papalanto, Sango–Abeokuta, and Ilishan–Iperu roads, as well as the development of over 7,000 affordable housing units, including the Muhammadu Buhari Estate.

He also pointed to investments in healthcare, including the completion of a 200-bed Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, expansion of primary healthcare facilities, and ongoing efforts to position the state as a destination for medical services. In the power sector, he referenced the 34.1-megawatt Independent Power Project aimed at strengthening energy supply for industrial growth.

Governor Abiodun further outlined initiatives in agriculture and security, including the provision of modern farming equipment and operational support for law enforcement agencies, alongside the introduction of electric mobility solutions as part of efforts to address transportation challenges and promote sustainability.

The event drew a high-profile audience, including governors from several states, members of the National Assembly, former governors such as Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, as well as business leaders like Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.

The inauguration of the Gateway International Airport and other projects is widely seen as a defining moment in the Abiodun administration, reinforcing its focus on infrastructure, economic expansion, and long-term development.