President Bola Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated the Gateway Cargo International Airport, built by the Ogun State Government in Iperu, and launched two new aircraft owned by Gateway Airline.
He also commissioned 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles, tractors, and a Customs Hub comprising barracks, a training college, a warehouse, and a hospital.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu: “Our Investment Is About Our People, Today’s Foundation Is For Tomorrow’s Prosperity”’, Tinubu highlighted that his administration’s infrastructure projects and economic reforms are intended for the benefit and prosperity of citizens.
While inaugurating the airport, the President said, “Our investment is about our people. The infrastructure underscores our faith in our country, the belief that today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity. Thank you all for your understanding.”
He noted that the commissioned airport is connected to independent power, showcasing the administration’s commitment to energy investment.
“Development must touch every level. I am particularly pleased with the mobility, security, and agricultural initiatives being fulfilled today,” Tinubu added.
The President commended Nigerians for their continued confidence in the All Progressives Congress, stating that federal reforms have resulted in more resources for sub-national governments.
He praised state governors for prudent resource management and lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for his visionary leadership and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Regarding the electric bikes, Tinubu described their commissioning as a smart solution to modern transportation needs, stating, “Embracing technology rather than fossil fuel to improve daily life is the way forward.”
He also commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, for initiatives that improved ease of doing business and prioritized staff welfare, saying, “Nigeria will continue to remember you. Your legacies, commitment, and patriotism are well appreciated.”
During the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the President to decentralise the Transmission Company of Nigeria for a more efficient power system.
“The decentralisation will create a more effective power system,” Akpabio said, praising Tinubu’s focus on Internally Generated Revenue and federal reforms that empower sub-nationals financially.
He credited Tinubu as the pioneer of Independent Power Plants in Lagos, a model now adopted by other states.
Governor Abiodun described the President’s visit as historic, symbolic of his commitment to national development and the belief in sub-national growth. He applauded the Renewed Hope Agenda for promoting economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth.
Abiodun highlighted Tinubu’s reforms, including foreign exchange unification, fuel subsidy removal, and public finance repositioning, which have boosted investor confidence and attracted foreign investment.
He also cited initiatives like the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, NELFUND, rail modernisation, major highway projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Badagry-Sokoto Highway, and oil and gas sector reforms aimed at transparency and increased production.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, representing himself and the people of Ogun State, thanked Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication, noting the progress made since Ogun State’s creation 50 years ago.
Also present were Ministers Wale Edun, Festus Keyamo, Bosun Tijani, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, governors from Borno, Niger, Taraba, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Bayelsa, and Ekiti, as well as traditional rulers from Ogun State.
