President Bola Tinubu, alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, recently lauded Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his transformative efforts in the state. The occasion marked the inauguration of several landmark projects, notably the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Ilishan and the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, signaling a significant leap in Ogun State's infrastructure and economic landscape.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for Governor Abiodun's commitment, vision, and patriotism, stating that the governor had justified the trust placed in him by both the President and the people of Ogun State. Tinubu underscored the importance of the new airport as the economic nerve center of the corridor, aligning with broader investments in gas, energy, and infrastructure. He emphasized that his administration's investments are fundamentally about the people, aiming for national development and long-term prosperity. President Tinubu commended the judicious use of increased federal allocations by the Ogun State government, noting that Nigeria is being liberated from past mismanagement and is reclaiming its respected position globally. He further lauded Governor Abiodun's agricultural initiatives and the rollout of 1,000 electric bikes, describing the latter as a smart and forward-looking response to modern transportation needs and energy transition.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also commended Governor Abiodun for the landmark Gateway International Airport. Recounting his experience, Obasanjo noted that landing at the new airport from Abuja significantly reduced his travel time home by at least 25 minutes compared to landing in Lagos. He expressed pride in the governor's achievements and highlighted the historic significance of the occasion, particularly for a state he was involved in creating 50 years ago, which has now undergone remarkable development.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio joined in commending President Tinubu's reforms, which he noted had empowered states by liberating them from salary arrears. He also praised Governor Abiodun for the Gateway Airport and for effectively utilizing increased federal allocations, further advocating for the decentralization of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to enhance power distribution.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, visibly elated by the President's presence, described the visit as deeply symbolic of the nation's progress. He affirmed that President Tinubu’s leadership had placed Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth, with economic reforms like foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal inspiring confidence in both local and international investors. Abiodun highlighted his administration’s focus on closing the infrastructure gap to maximize Ogun State's proximity to Lagos, thereby enhancing trade mobility and economic expansion. He asserted that Ogun is now one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economies, driven by deliberate policies promoting infrastructure and economic development.

Governor Abiodun detailed an extensive list of projects undertaken by his administration over the last seven years. Beyond the aviation sector, his government has constructed or rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometers of roads, including major arteries like the Epe-Ijebu Ode expressway, Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto Expressway, and the newly renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressway (formerly Old Ibadan Road bypass). In housing, initiatives include the Muhammadu Buhari Estate with 100 units and the provision of over 7,000 affordable homes. Healthcare has seen significant investment with 140 completed primary healthcare centers and the new 200-bed Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, poised to become a medical tourism destination. Energy investments include the first phase of the 34.1-megawatt Onijanganjangan Independent Power Project. The state has also strengthened food security through mechanized farming and enhanced security with 100 pickup vehicles and other operational support for law enforcement agencies. The introduction of electric mobility solutions, including the 1,000 electric bikes, further underscores the state's forward-looking approach to environmental sustainability and urban transportation.

The momentous event saw a distinguished gathering, including the Senate President, governors from Zamfara, Bayelsa, Taraba, Ekiti, Ondo, Niger, and Lagos, along with deputy governors from Oyo and Lagos states. Also present were former governors of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Chief Olusegun Osoba, as well as high-profile figures such as CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Femi Otedola, among others.