AWC Statehouse Desk
April 4, 2026
Iperu, Ogun State – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Saturday that his administration’s aggressive infrastructure development and cross-sector economic reforms are fundamentally designed for the well-being and long-term prosperity of all Nigerians.
Speaking at the historic inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu, built by the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration, the President emphasized that the current sacrifices and structural foundations are the price for a wealthier future.
A Landmark Day for Aviation and Technology
During the high-profile visit, President Tinubu performed several key ceremonial acts:
Aviation Hub: Commissioned the new Cargo International Airport and launched two new aircraft under the fleet of the newly established Gateway Airline.
Green Mobility: Launched 1,000 electric bikes, marking a strategic shift from fossil fuels to technology-driven transportation.
Security & Agriculture: Unveiled a new fleet of security vehicles and tractors to boost local food security and community safety.
“Our investment is about our people, President Tinubu stated. “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.”
Empowering the Sub-Nationals
The President lauded Governor Abiodun for aligning Ogun State’s developmental stride with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that federal reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange rate and subsidy removal, have resulted in increased resources for state governments to execute legacy projects.
The President also took time to commend Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, for enhancing the ease of doing business. During the visit, the President officially launched the Customs Hub, featuring new barracks, a training college, a warehouse, and a specialized hospital.
National Leaders Rally Behind Reforms
The event drew a massive gathering of Nigeria’s political elite, reflecting national unity behind the current economic reset:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio: Commended the President’s democratic credentials and his history as a pioneer of Independent Power Plants (IPP).
He further appealed for the decentralization of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to enhance grid efficiency.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo: Expressed pride in the state’s evolution since its creation 50 years ago, thanking President Tinubu for his “visionary leadership and tenacity.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun: Described the visit as symbolic of the President’s belief in states as the “engines of growth,” crediting the Renewed Hope Agenda for restoring investor confidence and fiscal discipline.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The ceremony was attended by a high-powered delegation, including:
Wale Edun (Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy)
Festus Keyamo (Aviation & Aerospace Development)
Bosun Tijani (Communications & Digital Economy)
Olayemi Cardoso (Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria)
State Governors from Borno, Niger, Taraba, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Bayelsa, and Ekiti, alongside prominent traditional rulers.
