PDP chieftain Segun Showunmi praises Gov. Dapo Abiodun over the launch of Gateway International Airport, calling it a milestone for Ogun’s economic future.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has lauded Governor Dapo Abiodu for the successful commencement of commercial flight operations at the newly constructed Gateway International Airport, located along the Ilisan-Iperu Remo road.
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In a statement on Friday, Showunmi described the milestone as “a new dawn of economic prosperity” for the people of Ogun State, stressing that the infrastructure project has turned the state into a truly strategic economic hub.
Speaking after taking his first flight from Abuja to the new airport, Showunmi praised the state government’s resolve in bringing the project to reality.
He acknowledged that although the idea was first conceived during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel in 2005, its eventual execution under Abiodun’s leadership is commendable.
“Sometimes when an opportunity is missed, it shouldn’t be regarded as lost. Whatever is coming is better. Gateway International Airport—the best is yet to come,” Showunmi said.
He added that infrastructure remains the foundation of development and credited Abiodun for prioritising essential public works to unlock the state’s investment potential.
The PDP chieftain pointed out that the airport’s inauguration has positioned Ogun State as a viable investment destination. He emphasised that those overlooking Ogun are “missing out” on its rising economic significance.
“Anyone who wants to transform any environment must first ensure they provide infrastructure for multimodal transportation, as Governor Abiodun has done.”
“I had the privilege of knowing when this idea was conceived during the reign of Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
I worked in the government at the time, in the same office as the Economic Adviser. It’s remarkable to see this vision finally materialise.”
He further noted that over time, the airport would yield more revenue and economic value than many other projects that receive more attention but have less impact.
Governor Dapo Abiodun officially inaugurated the first commercial flight from the Gateway International Airport on Thursday.
The ValueJet aircraft, with registration number 5N-BXS, carried 90 passengers from Iperu-Ilisan to Abuja, marking the airport’s entry into full commercial operations.
“This is not AI—this is real,” Abiodun said during the launch. “Commercial operations are starting in Ogun State during the lifetime of this administration.”
He recalled that the project broke ground in 2021 and faced intense scepticism, with critics labelling the site a “photo-op” or even a future “cattle ranch.”
However, with the airport now operational, the governor highlighted the achievement as a testament to vision, perseverance, and regulatory compliance.
Abiodun revealed that the airport is part of a larger Aerotropolis development plan, which already includes the Nigeria Customs Service Village and the world’s largest textile plant, both situated within the vicinity.
“We are committed to building not just any airport, but the best constructed and equipped facility befitting of Ogun State’s status as the industrial capital of Nigeria,” he said.
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He affirmed that the state’s growing population and its expanding industrial base support the business case for the airport, which is expected to attract investments, generate jobs, and boost GDP.
