By JKNewsMedia
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT and economic reforms are directed at improving citizens’ well-being and prosperity, President Bola Tinubu said on Saturday during the inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the airport, built by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, was commissioned alongside the launch of two new aircraft owned by Gateway Airline.
“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,” the President said.
He stated that Governor Abiodun has continued to demonstrate commitment to the well-being of Ogun State citizens and Nigerians at large, noting that the airport is connected to an independent power source, reflecting investment in energy.
“Development must touch every level. I am particularly pleased with the mobility, the security and the agricultural initiatives being fulfilled today,” he added.
During the event, the President also launched 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles and tractors, describing the electric bikes as a smart response to modern transportation needs and emphasising the importance of embracing technology over fossil fuel.
He commended Nigerians for their continued faith in the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that reforms initiated by his administration have translated into more resources for sub-nationals.
He expressed pride in state governors for judicious utilisation of resources and praised Governor Abiodun for aligning developmental initiatives with the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).
The President also lauded the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for initiatives that have enhanced ease of doing business and prioritised workforce welfare.
“Nigeria will continue to remember you. Your legacies, commitment and patriotism are well appreciated,” he said.
He further launched a Customs Hub comprising barracks, a training college, a warehouse and a hospital.
Governor Abiodun described the visit as historic and symbolic of commitment to national development and belief in sub nationals as growth engines.
He credited the RHA with placing Nigeria on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline and sustainable growth.
He highlighted economic reforms including the unification of the foreign exchange rate, removal of fuel subsidy and repositioning of public finance to reflect market realities as steps that have restored investors’ confidence and attracted foreign direct investment.
“Your efforts in expanding revenue through improved tax administration, digitisation of government processes and strengthening of agencies have started to address long standing structural weaknesses,” the governor said.
He added that initiatives such as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme (PCNGP), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), rail modernisation, major highway reconstruction projects including the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway (LCCH) and the Badagry Sokoto Highway (BSH), as well as reforms in the oil and gas sector, point to a deliberate reset of the national economy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the National Assembly (NASS) remains a veritable tool for deepening democracy, maintaining that democracy would not exist without the parliament.
He credited the President with initiating Independent Power Plants (IPP) in Lagos and appealed for decentralisation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
He also commended reforms that have strengthened internally generated revenue, noting that they have enabled states to avoid borrowing for salaries and projects.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that former President Olusegun Obasanjo thanked President Tinubu for what he described as visionary and purposeful leadership.
“When Ogun State was created 50 years ago, I was part of the process. Nobody at the time would have thought we would have what we have today. And it is due to what we have got from all the governors and those who have worked with all the governors,” he said.
Several ministers, governors and traditional rulers attended the event.
