On Thursday, Ogun State accomplished a historic milestone when the first commercial airplane touched down at the Gateway Agro Cargo International Airport on the Iperu-Ilishan road in the state’s Ikenne Local Government Area.
At around 2.15 pm, the first airplane touched down to the cheers of thousands of state residents.
The Agro Cargo Airport was a 2005 government of Gbenga Daniel project that was dropped by his successor Ibikunle Amosun but implemented by Dapo Abiodun.
Abiodun said that the airport’s location would make it simple for people to travel there from various sections of the state and that it would also give them access to the country’s Eastern and Northern regions.
The governor emphasised that the Ogun International Agro Cargo Airport will be essential in accomplishing the goal while also stating that the nation is working to enhance exports of goods and services.
He noted that his administration is also pursuing the start of a dry port in Kajola, in Ogun Central Senatorial District, while stressing that the airport is a component of an integrated development package meant to unlock the full potential of the state.
The state governor continued by saying that his administration is also working to build the Olokola Port and that he has no doubt that it will assist relieve the Apapa Port of its congestion.
“Another complementary transportation infrastructure project being pursued is the development of the dry port at Kajola in Ogun Central. This dry port will be on the Lagos/Ibadan rail line in the Kajola Free Trade Zone (FTZ), which was also established by Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
“We have also commenced the process of constructing the Olokola Port. This will go a long way in easing port congestion and make Apapa Port more efficient. No doubt, this airport will become the alternative airport to the Murtala Muhammad International Airport and is already being considered as the terminal for non-oil exports in the country,” he submitted.
The airport was hailed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a world-class endeavor that should be imitated. Moreover, Osinbajo stated that the Kajola Dry Port would start operations in a few months.
The vice president stated that the state had made great strides toward realizing the aspirations of the ancestors to have a thriving, contemporary, and productive community, referring to the cargo airport as the state’s dream because it serves as the center of the country’s economy, trade, and business.
“This airport isn’t just the best in Nigeria, it is a world-class airport that we are here to see. Ogun has definitely taken a huge step in fulfilling the dreams of our forebears, the dreams of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and others, the dreams of a vibrant modern and industrious community leaving together in peace and prosperity, a dream of Ogun State that is the engine room of our nation’s economy and our nation’s commerce and business.
“In a few months, the Kajola Dry Port will also be operational and I am confident that this airport will transform the entire South West region and serve as catalyst for economic growth and development of our nation and sub region,” he said.
Osinbajo stated that the government is prepared to offer facilities for a world-class economic zone, noting that an airport is merely an infrastructure for developing a dynamic economic area.
The Vice President revealed that the airport is a crucial tool in the country’s preparation for full participation as significant players in the African Continental Free Trade Area while noting that the airport would serve the special agro processing zone, which was recently established with the kind assistance of the African Development Bank.