Former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Tolu Bankole, has congratulated Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of Ogun State on the successful commencement of commercial flight operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu.
The newly built airport welcomed its first commercial flight on Tuesday morning, marking the official start of scheduled passenger services, despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Bankole—who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader for Persons with Disabilities—described the milestone as “a historic leap that will inspire generations,” hailing it as a proud moment for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world.
He praised Governor Abiodun for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the airport’s launch signified “the dawn of a new era in Ogun’s evolution into an aviation and industrial hub.”
“This is not just the start of a flight route—it is the flight of a vision fulfilled. Governor Abiodun’s steadfast pursuit of excellence has transformed what was once a dream into a symbol of progress, linking Ogun directly to the nation’s capital and positioning the state as a beacon of modern development,” he said.
Bankole commended the choice of ValueJet as the first commercial operator, describing the airline’s flexible fare system as consistent with the governor’s goal of inclusive economic growth and accessibility.
He further described the Gateway International Airport as a model of modern aviation infrastructure, boasting Nigeria’s longest runway, day and night landing capabilities, advanced navigation systems, and a world-class VIP lounge.
According to him, the facility will enhance passenger convenience, improve connectivity to key destinations, and reduce travel costs while stimulating investment, job creation, and tourism across the state.
“This milestone reaffirms Ogun’s reputation as a forward-thinking state with a government that delivers on its promises. It is a victory not just for Ogun but for Nigeria and the global aviation community,” Bankole said.
He called on residents to continue supporting Governor Abiodun’s administration under the “Building Our Future Together” agenda, saying the Gateway International Airport exemplifies what is possible when “vision meets execution.”
