R-L:Former governor Segun Osoba,Gov.Dapo Abiodun,Vice President Yemi Osibanjo,his wife Dolapo,behind the Vice and his wife is the Minister of Aviation,Senator Hadi Sirika, other dignitaries viewing and admiring the wordings which the V-P unveiled during the maiden test flights ceremony.

Ogun State will soon enter world aviation map as it flung open the Gateway International Agro Cargo Airport that is situated at Iperu-Ilisan Road,Ikenne Local Government,Ogun State in the south west part of Nigeria.The construction of the Airport started in April 2021 by Governor Dapo Abiodun administration.This unique Airport that is first of its kind in Nigeria, which has the longest runway of 4km in the country recorded its official landing of maiden test flight on Thursday February 23,2023.

Strategically sitting on about 5ooo hectares of land,located with its proximity to the Lagos- Ibadan and the Sagamu-Benin Expressways,the airport is provided with a five storey Control Tower obtainable in similar airport in developed countries. It has perimeter fencing to prevent intruders from gaining access to the area. The terminal building which aviation experts described as a kind of hybrid of what you have in Morocco and a bit of Paris in France.

According to the State Government, these maiden test flights are important mile stones that signal the imminent  commencement of aviation activities at this strategic air transportation infrastructure initiated by Dapo Abiodun Administration.”Gateway International Agro-Cargo airport was designed to support Ogun State continued industrial and economic growth and further enhance air transportation connectivity across Nigeria”

Valuejet’s CRJ 900

The cargo airport was designed to be an aerotropolis as it is provided with components such as a special agro processing zone to process raw agricultural material for export, an international Testing Centre to certify that agro- produce comply with international standards before they are exported, facilities to receive parcels coming into Nigeria that are to be redistributed to other parts of Nigeria.

Already, some agencies of the Federal Government including the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Customs Service as well as  many other private investors have indicated their interest to be part of the Airport project which is an important component of Ogun State’s transportation master plan expected not only to connect Rail,Road and Water transportation but also to decongest the Lagos Airport.

With the coming into reality, the Agro-Cargo Airport has elevated Ogun State to another realm of economic development. Nigerians and foreigner alike are earnestly looking for a safe,congenial,friendly accessible  such as the one the new airport has provided for investment  haven. The citing of many industries  in Ogun State is a testament to the fact that the Dapo Administration encourages investors with suitable climate to grow their businesses to any size of their choice.Housing estate developers,ancilliary services,agric farmers,small scale farmers and many more who take advantage of the myriad opportunities provided by the Airport will have good story to tell about the returns on their investments in not too distant future.The surrounding towns and villages will witness spread in their businesses and rapid transformation as more people that are looking for greener pastures  are expected  to be attracted to the area.

The event attracted who is who in the society.Top state and federal government functionaries, prominent sons and daughters of Ogun States from all walks of life were at the Airport to witness the epoch making ceremony.

The role call includes the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof.Yemi Osibanjo and his wife Dolapo,former governors Olusegun Osoba,Gbenga Daniel,former Speaker House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole,Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika,Royal Fathers from across the state and their retinue of chiefs were not left out of the role call of dignitaries that graced the occasion.

Speaking with emotion laden voice,Chief Osoba poured encomium on Governor Dapo Abiodun.He said “Governor Abiodun has removed me from humiliation. His administration has completed most of the roads that I started which I could not complete before I left office 31 years ago. Successive administrations before that of Governor Abiodun did not deem it fit to continue with them.I am now 84 years.I pray to witness more new and abandoned projects being completed by this administration.”

For Senator Hadi Sirika,”I am very emotional standing here with joy.This Airport will add value to the economic activities of this area.”According to him President Muhammadu Buhari administration has increased the numbers of airports in Nigeria. “Passengers capacity has increased from eight millions to eighteen millions between 2019 till now.The Agro-Cargo Airport is an economic enhancer for the people of Ogun State.”

LESSONS

Governor Dapo Abiodun will remain planted in the historical minds of many indigenes of the State and ardent followers of Nigerian politics at the federal,state and local government levels.The idea of the Airport was not mooted by Governor Abiodun.He never arrogated it to himself.If he chose not to continue with what the previous administration initiated,no one will crucify him.His burning desire to serve and touch the lives of the people through good governance were the propelling forces that culminated in his continuation of the project even though he met nothing on ground to build on.He saw the benefits of the Airport project to the people of the State and Nigerians as well as foreigners hence he pursued it with undiminishing intensity.He never allowed himself to be tossed around by petty politics.The State under Dapo Abiodun in next four years is better imagined.He acknowledges the fact that there is still much to be done.He deserves all the encouragement from the people of the State to further energise him to accomplish his visions for the Gateway State.