President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, 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 trio 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 reposed in him by him (President Tibubu) and the people of Ogun State.
He said: “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity that 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 national development.
“I have no regret for whatever we have done with you.
“As your president, I am pleased to see that the increase from revenue from federal allocation is being effectively and judiciously used to build our country. I congratulate the people of this great State for supporting the government that is delivering measurable progress, and I thank you for your continued faith in our country.”
While pointing out that his administration’s investment is about the people, Tinubu said The lord is liberating Nigeria from the past mismanagement, saying “we are back as a nation well respected, and highly recognized.”
He said the Gateway Airport is connected to investment in gas and energy, adding that the other projects of Governor Abiodun had shown his great commitment to development, which he said “must touch every level.”
The president expressed deep pleasure with Abiodun’s agric initiatives, and the 1000 electric bikes he had rolled out, describing this as “a smart response to modern transportation needs.”
Also speaking on the occasion Obasanjo, who thanked Tinubu for making the sacrifice to attend the event, said it was a very important occasion in the history of Ogun State.
He commended Governor Abiodun for building the airport, describing it as a landmark project.
He said: “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.”
The former president, who said he was part of the “conspiracy” to create the stat 50 yrs ago, said nobody could have thought Ogun would be what it is today, with the developmental projects undertaken by Governor
Akpabio, who lauded President Tinubu for his reforms which he said had liberated state from owing salaries, lauded Governor Abiodun for building the Gateway Airport, and for judicious use of increased federal allocations.
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 goal, demonstrating clarity in his economic reforms, which he said had repositioned Nigeria as a competitive destination.
Abiodun lauded the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying that Nigeria is truly reclaiming its position as a viable investment destination.
He added that Tinubu’s leadership had inspired confidence in local and international investors.
He added that when he assumed office, he realized that for Ogun State to maximize ist proximity to lagos, his government had to close the infrastructure gap.
He added that his administration had enhanced trade mobility and infrastructural expansion, adding that Ogun is one of the fastest growing economies in Nigeria today, with its growth anchored on deliberate polices that promote infrastructure and economic development.
Floating the state-owned airline, Gateway Airline, Abiodun said his government had construct 1600 kilometres of roads, including the Epe-Ijebu Ode, Sango-Abeokuta Expressway, Ilishan Iperu Road, among others, the Muhammed Buhari estate, and over 7000 affordable homes.
.He said : “Beyond aviation, we have in the last 7 years we made remarkable progress with more than 1,600km of constructed or rehabilitated road infrastructure. Noteworthy amongst others are the Epe Ijebu Ode expressway ,Sagamu Interchange- Papalanto Expressway, ,Sango Abeokuta expressway and around here , the Sagamu Iperu Ode Remo Sapade expressway formerly known as the Old Ibadan road now renamed as Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressway (bypass alternate to Lagos Ibadan expressway ) and the Ilishan Iperu road and the airport road that connects to sagamu Benin expressway ( which you commissioned earlier ) all enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time.
” In housing, the Muhammadu Buhari Estate with 100 units of Semi and fully /detached housing units, and the provision of over 7000 affordable and quality homes for our citizens are creating thousands of jobs and turning our citizens from tenants to landlords .
” In healthcare, besides the 140 completed and equipped primary health care centers , we have now completed the 200 bed Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence which will be affiliated to the new Abuja Medical center of Excellence this now offers advanced medical services, reducing the need for medical travel and positioning Ogun State as a medical tourism destination. Our investments in power, including the first phase of the 34.1 megawatt Onijanganjangan Independent Power Project, are strengthening energy supply to support industrial growth and economic expansion.
“In agriculture, we are deepening mechanised farming through the provision of modern tractors, while also strengthening food security across the state. Our commitment to security is evident in the deployment of 100 pickup vehicles and other infrastructure and operational support for our law enforcement agencies.
“Furthermore, the introduction of electric mobility solutions reflects our forward looking approach in energy transition ,environmental sustainability and urban transportation whilst mitigating the shocks occasioned by the sudden increase in-fuel prices that we are witnessing currently.
At the occasion were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Governors of Zamfara, Bayelsa, Taraba, Ekiti, Ondo, Niger and Lagos, as well as the deputy governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal and his Lagos counterpart, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
Also in attendance were Senator Gbenga Daniel; former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; another former governor of the state, Chieg Olusegun Osoba, and the Chairman of ANN Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.
Others were Ambassador Femi Pedro, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the BUA Group, and Femi Otedola.
Also in attendance were the Inspector General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu; Zenith Bank CEO, and the CG customs, Bashir Adeniyi
