By ABIODUN LAWAL

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security and investing in human capital to drive sustainable development.

Tinubu made the declaration on Saturday when he inaugurated the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, a project of the Ogun state government.

He noted that the government remains resolute in its determination to defeat banditry and terrorism, assuring citizens that ongoing measures will yield positive results

“We will win over banditry and terrorism,” he said.

The president described infrastructure projects as vital to strengthening the country’s economic corridors.

He commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for transforming Ogun State and significantly improving the aviation sector through the development of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu inaugurated the airport and the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, among other landmark projects, including road and housing projects in the state.

He thanked Abiodun for his strides in office, saying that the governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by the president and the people of Ogun state.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity we have today to celebrate the remarkable vision of a governor and his predecessors. Today, we commissioned the economic nerve centre of our corridor.

“In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism to grow Nigeria. We celebrate you for your contribution to national development.

“I have no regret for whatever we have done with you.

“As your President, I am pleased to see that the increase in revenue from federal allocation is being effectively and judiciously used to build our country.

“I congratulate the people of this great state for supporting a government that is delivering measurable progress, and I thank you for your continued faith in our country,” he said.

While pointing out that his administration’s investments are people-centred, Tinubu said the Lord is liberating Nigeria from past mismanagement, adding, “we are back as a nation, well respected and highly recognised.”

He said the Gateway Airport was connected to investments in gas and energy, adding that other projects of Abiodun have shown his great commitment to development.

Also speaking at the occasion, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, thanked Tinubu for making the sacrifice to attend the event, saying it was a very important occasion in the history of the state.

He commended Abiodun for building the airport, describing it as a landmark project.

He said: “I have landed here from Abuja, and it took me 45 minutes from here to my home, which is at least 25 minutes shorter than if I had landed in Lagos.

“I want to thank our governor for making us proud of what we are commissioning today. I am happy to be a witness to this historic occasion.”

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, lauded Tinubu for his reforms, which he said had liberated states from owing salaries.

He also commended Abiodun for the judicious use of increased federal allocations.

In his address, Abiodun said the president had placed the nation on the path of sustainable growth, demonstrating clarity in his economic reforms, which, he said, had repositioned Nigeria as a competitive destination.

He hailed the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying that Nigeria is truly reclaiming its position as a viable investment destination.

He noted that the facility will handle commercial flights to Abuja and feature a nearly 4km runway for large aircraft, alongside a modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo-handling infrastructure.

According to him, the facility also co-locates a Customs base which has evolved into an aerotropolis, positioning the state as a hub for business and logistics.

“Beyond aviation, in the last seven years, we have made remarkable progress, with more than 1,600km of constructed or rehabilitated road infrastructure.

“Noteworthy among others are the Epe-Ijebu Ode expressway, Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto Expressway, and around here, the Sagamu–Iperu–Ode Remo–Sapade expressway, formerly known as the Old Ibadan road.

“It is now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressway (a bypass alternative to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway), as well as the Ilishan-Iperu Road and the airport road that connects to the Sagamu-Benin Expressway,” he said. (NAN)

Update news