The Gateway State International Airport, Ilishan-Remo, has been described as the best investment bequeathed to Ogun State by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The Chairman of the Ogun State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, stated this on Thursday during an inspection tour of the airport alongside other members of the council.
Chief Okuboyejo, who expressed delight at the state-of-the-art facilities at the airport, said the edifice could stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the best airports around the world.
He said, “It is an excellent airport. I have traveled the whole length of the world, and in all these places, I am proud to say that what I have seen here today measures up and is much better than a number of other airports. It is the best long-term investment. As it grows over the years, its developmental progress becomes so magnificent that you cannot imagine.”
The elder statesman recalled how Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos transformed over the decades, expressing optimism that the Gateway International Airport would surpass expectations.
He urged the state government to pursue approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enable international operations, which he said would generate income and make the airport self-financing.
Chief Okuboyejo described the facility as the most enduring legacy of the Abiodun administration, adding that it would stand as a reminder of the governor’s commitment to development.
He said, “Those who build renowned airports in the world are still remembered up till now, and Governor Abiodun will not be an exception. We, his advisers, the elderly, are happy that our own son is putting this up in our own time.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the airport was designed to serve as an anchor project for the various industrial activities across the state, especially the Remo Economic Cluster.
He expressed confidence that the facility would become busier in the coming years as more infrastructure and industries spring up around it.
According to him, the airport is fully equipped with modern facilities including a passenger terminal, cargo warehouses, independent power plant, fire station, and control tower, all ready for commercial operations.
The Airport Manager, Captain Dapo Olumide, who conducted the elders around the facility, revealed that officials from relevant aviation regulatory agencies were already stationed at the airport, while finishing touches were being made to ensure smooth operations.
He disclosed that the first commercial flight is expected to take off next Tuesday, adding that bookings have commenced for passengers from Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, and other parts of the state.
