The Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, located along Iperu-lishan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Thursday witnessed the maiden commercial flight.
At the event, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun noted that the airport marked the actualisation of a dream by former Governor Gbenga Daniel.
He added that the development of the airport was in alignment with his administration’s desire to provide a conducive atmosphere for industries to not only berth in the state but to record success.
Abiodun, who disclosed that the choice of the location would allow for easy access from different parts of the state, added that the eastern and northern regions of the country can also be accessed from the airport.
The governor, who noted that the country was currently pursuing strategies to promote the export of goods and services, said that the Ogun State International Agro Cargo Airport wolud be critical in achieving the objective.
He noted that the airport is part of an integrated development programme aimed at unleashing the full potential of the state.
He added that his administration is also currently pursuing the commencement of a dry port in Kajola in the Ogun Central Senatorial district of the state.
The state helmsman added that his administration is also pursuing the construction of the Olokola Port, disclosing that he does not doubt that the port would help to decongest the Apapa Port.
His words: “Another complementary infrastructure transportation project currently being pursued is the development of the dry port at Kajola in Ogun Central.
“This dry port will be located on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line in the Kajola free trade zone, which was also established by Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
“We have also commenced the process of the construction of the Olokola Port, which will go a long way in easing the port congestion and making Apapa Port more efficient.
“No doubt, this airport will become the alternative airport to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and it is already being considered as the export terminal of non-oil in the country,” he submitted.
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo described the Gateway Agro Cargo Airport as a world-class project worthy of emulation.
Osinbajo also disclosed that the Kajola Dry Port in the state would soon become operational in a few months time.
The Vice President noted that the state had taken a huge step in fulfilling the dreams of the forebears to have a vibrant, modern, and industrious community.
Osinbajo described the Agro Cargo Airport as the dream of the state which is the engine room of the nation’s economy, commerce, and business.
He said: “This airport isn’t just the best in Nigeria, it is a world-class airport that we are here to see.
“Ogun State has taken a huge step in fulfilling the dreams of our forebears, the dreams of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the dreams of others, the dreams of a vibrant modern and industrious community leaving together in peace and prosperity.
“A dream of Ogun State that is the engine room of our nation’s economy and our nation’s commerce and business.
“In a few months, the Kajola Dry Port will also be operational and I am confident that this airport will transform the entire South-West region and serve as a catalyst for economic growth and the development of our nation and sub-region”.
Osinbajo who noted that an airport is only an infrastructure for building a dynamic economic area, said that the government is now poised to provide facilities for a world-class economic zone.
The Vice President noted that the airport would serve the special agro-processing zone which was recently established through the generous assistance of the African Development Bank.
He disclosed that the airport is an essential tool in the preparation of the country for full participation as a serious player in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika disclosed that airports have a way of connecting business, adding that the airport is a product of people who sat down to think about what can be done to improve the socio-economic development of the people of the state.
Sirika, who noted that the gains of the airport would not be seen at the moment, but in the future, added that the gains of the airport with the ability to carry cargo from one place to another cannot be quantified.
Former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who described Abiodun as the actualiser of dreams, commended him for not abandoning the projects of his predecessor and for believing in continuity.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya disclosed that the airport is geared towards providing an avenue for farm produce to be exported outside the country, thereby developing the socio-economic life of the state and its people.
The Chairman of the Council of Obas and the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, while describing the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Boa Ahmed Tinubu as an articulate and capable man, called on the people of the state to vote for him in Saturday’s election.
The Akarigbo, who also called on the people of the state to vote Abiodun for a second term, noted that the landmark projects he had embarked upon in the last three and half years have shown that if he continues for a second term, the best is yet to come.
Former governor Daniel, while describing Abiodun as the actualiser of the dream of the airport, expressed his happiness and urged Osinbajo to use his good offices to help the state actualise its own dream of a deep sea port.
On behalf of the partners, the Chairman of Value Jet, Kunle Soname commended the state government under Abiodun’s leadership for the dream which has now become a reality, disclosing that Value Jet is proud to be the first company to have its plane land in the airport.
