Tinubu, Obasanjo hail Abiodun as Gateway Airport redefines Ogun’s aviation landscape

President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, lauded the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for transforming Ogun State and changing the face of aviation in the state through the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan.

The duo spoke as President Tinubu inaugurated the airport and the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, among other landmark projects, including road and housing projects in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Tinubu thanked Governor Abiodun for his strides in office, saying that the Governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by the President and the people of Ogun State.

He said: “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity we have today to celebrate the remarkable vision of a governor and his predecessors. Today, we commissioned the economic nerve centre of our corridor. In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism to grow Nigeria. We celebrate you for your contribution to national development.

“I have no regret for whatever 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 used 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.”

He said the Gateway Airport is connected to investments in gas and energy, adding that the other projects of Governor Abiodun have shown his great commitment to development, which, he said, “must touch every level.”

The President expressed deep pleasure with Abiodun’s agricultural initiatives and the 1,000 electric bikes he had rolled out, describing this as “a smart response to modern transportation needs.”

Also speaking on the occasion, Obasanjo said it was a very important occasion in the history of Ogun State, adding “I’ve landed here from Abuja, and it took me 45 minutes from here to my home, which is at least 25 minutes shorter than if I had landed in Lagos. I want to thank our governor for doing us proud in what we are commissioning today. I am happy to be a witness to this historic occasion.”

Speaking on the occasion, Abiodun, visibly elated by the President’s presence, which he described as deeply symbolic, said the President had placed the nation on the path of sustainable growth, demonstrating clarity in his economic reforms, which, he said, had repositioned Nigeria as a competitive destination.