By JKNewsMedia
THE LONG-awaited take-off of commercial aviation in Ogun State became reality as Governor Dapo Abiodun inaugurated the first passenger flight at the Gateway International Airport, Ilishan-Remo.
The aircraft, operated by ValueJet with registration number 5N-BXS, carried 90 passengers on board and departed the runway at exactly 10:10 a.m. for Abuja.
Addressing guests at the inauguration ceremony held at the airport located along the Iperu–Ilisan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun said the project was part of his administration’s vision to establish a well-structured, multimodal transport system for the State.
“I am glad to be here today to actually witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State; this is not like AI, this is real,” the governor stated.
“Commercial operations are starting from Ogun State in the lifetime of an administration.
“We came here in 2021; some people said it was just a photo op, they said it was just politics, they mocked us, and they said this place is nothing but a dump site.
Some even said that we were going to use this place as a cattle ranch. Some others had this airport built on a PowerPoint, but again, we are here today, and we have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, when there is collective vision, inclusive vision, inclusive participation, and when there is passion and diligence.”
The governor recalled that construction began in late 2021, adding that in February 2023, ValueJet became the first airline to test the runway.
“Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing because it is a very highly regulated industry,” he said.
Governor Abiodun emphasised his administration’s commitment to developing an airport that meets international standards. He described the facility as one of the most modern in Nigeria, strategically located in the country’s industrial capital with a fast-growing population and economy.
He explained that the airport forms part of a larger Aerotropolis vision, surrounded by emerging industries and major infrastructure projects.
“It speaks for itself; more people are coming to live, work, and play in Ogun State, so this airport makes sense. It ticks the box of our multimodal transport master plan where we connect roads to rail to air, and soon, we will be connected to the sea,” he added.
The governor commended aviation regulators for their guidance, especially the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, for their oversight and cooperation in achieving the airport’s operational certification.
Speaking during the event, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said the airport aligns with the vision of the state’s founding fathers.
“I give it to the governor. This place was a refuse dump, but now it is the site of a world-class airport. I feel happy; I feel on top of the world.
“There will be economic gains, and there will be comfort, as it will reduce the hassle of going to Lagos to travel by air,” Elemide stated.
Similarly, the member representing Imeko-Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, expressed delight that the airport project had been fully realised. He called on industrialists to leverage the new facility to expand business operations and urged residents to support government initiatives that promote economic growth.
The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona-Najomo, lauded the Ogun State Government for complying with all regulatory standards. He noted that the project reflected a high level of professionalism and readiness for sustained operations.
Captain Ona-Najomo also assured that the NCAA would continue to offer necessary support to ensure that the Gateway International Airport meets requirements for international flights in due course.
Officials from the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), led by Managing Director Farouk Umar, and other aviation sector representatives attended the ceremony, marking a new phase in Ogun State’s transport infrastructure development.
