Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to introduce bus shuttle and car hire services at the Gateway International Airport to ensure smooth and convenient movement of passengers and their luggage from major towns and cities across the state.
Abiodun made this known on Thursday after boarding a ValueJet scheduled commercial flight to Abuja, stating that his administration was working to enhance access and connectivity to the airport as part of its vision for an integrated transportation system.
According to the governor, arrangements are at an advanced stage for the commencement of the services, which will operate from key cities such as Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Ilaro, among others.
We are going to ensure that we have convenient bus transportation from major cities and towns. There will be a bus service that will leave at a particular time to conveniently bring passengers from places like Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and others to the airport on time,” he said.
Abiodun noted that the airport has continued to gain international recognition since its maiden commercial flight, saying the development has further validated his administration’s commitment to making Ogun a transportation hub.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than when you have a vision and see that vision come to fruition. You can see that implementation has been validated by that first flight, which was actually sold out.”
“This place was a complete forest, and most people did not believe in it, but we believed in it. Our consultants believed in it, and now the missing link in our multi-modal transport master plan is in place, so you can come to Ogun State by road, by rail, and by air,” he said.
One of the passengers on the flight, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom in Epe, Lagos State, Oba Olufolarin Ogunbanwo, described the airport as a monumental legacy project that would stand the test of time, adding that it has placed Ogun on the global aviation map.
I am so happy and I feel excited, and I want to congratulate Governor Dapo Abiodun and his entire team for this beautiful monumental project that has come to fruition.
My kingdom is just about 40 minutes away from here, and it has saved me the rigors of having to go to the Muritala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, to take a flight. The service and quality of the airport are of international standard, which makes it even more exciting,” he said.
Oba Ogunbanwo further expressed optimism that the project would open new opportunities in investment, tourism, employment, and multi-modal transport systems within the state.
