The Convener of the United Premier Movement (UPM), Hon. Olalekan Shoyinka, has congratulated Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the successful inauguration of commercial flight operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo, describing the feat as a commendable legacy that will outlive his administration.
In a statement personally signed by him in Abeokuta, Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, said the airport project represents a bold statement of progress, vision, and commitment to infrastructural excellence in Ogun State.
According to him, “The inauguration of commercial flight operations at the Gateway International Airport is a landmark achievement that will no doubt stand the test of time. It shows Governor Abiodun’s determination to place Ogun State on the global map of infrastructural progress.”
Shoyinka noted that the Gateway International Airport, alongside the earlier reconstruction and dualization of the Ijebu Ode–Epe Expressway, stands as a testament to the administration’s prudent use of resources and dedication to the welfare of the people.
“These two monumental projects justify the state’s impressive internally generated revenue (IGR). Though the budgetary allocations for them were not publicly declared, it is clear that Ogun’s resources have been put to visible, life-changing use,” he said.
While commending the governor for delivering iconic projects per term, Shoyinka appealed for renewed focus on the rehabilitation of abandoned and deteriorating road projects across the state, especially those affecting the daily survival of transporters, traders, and commuters.
He said, “As we celebrate this milestone, I appeal to His Excellency to channel the remaining part of his tenure towards rehabilitating abandoned road projects and reconstructing bad roads. Many of these roads are the lifelines of middle- and low-income earners who rely on them for their economic activities.”
The UPM convener also called on the governor to personally inspect the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway to ensure it meets quality standards.
“I urge the governor to personally monitor the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway project. His direct oversight will ensure accountability and reassure the people that their welfare remains a top priority,” Shoyinka added.
While acknowledging the Ministry of Public Works for recent palliative works on major roads in Abeokuta, Shoyinka expressed concern that several inner roads in the state capital remain impassable, particularly during the rainy season.
“With the rains still active, many inner roads are nearly impassable. This is affecting movement, commerce, and public safety. It requires urgent attention,” he said.
Shoyinka, however, concluded with words of encouragement, praying for divine guidance for the governor as he continues his developmental agenda.
“Our people say, ‘Yìnnì yìnnì k’ẹni o ṣe òmìì’ appreciation for what has been done often inspires the doer to do more. Your Excellency, we say kudos for the laudable success of the Gateway International Airport project. Like Oliver Twist, we humbly ask for more democratic dividends, especially in Egbaland, as 2027 draws nearer,” he stated.
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