President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reassured Nigerians of his administration’s unwavering commitment to national progress, declaring that the country remains firmly on course to achieving greatness.

The President gave the assurance during the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo, located in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he noted that ongoing reforms and strategic infrastructure investments are already yielding tangible results across critical sectors of the economy.

Among the projects inaugurated were two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, 1,000 electric motorcycles, 80 security vehicles to enhance the state’s safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors.

Tinubu also inspected and commissioned the Nigeria Customs Service Village, the Forward Operating Base (FOB), the Gateway Aviation Village, and the reconstructed Old Ibadan Road (Sapade–Ilishan Road), now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway.

While acknowledging that recent macroeconomic policies may pose short-term challenges, the President maintained that such measures are essential for long-term stability and prosperity.

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According to him, the administration’s focus on economic restructuring, security, and development initiatives is part of a broader vision to reposition Nigeria as a resilient and competitive player on the global stage.

He expressed optimism about the nation’s future, assuring citizens that ongoing efforts would consolidate current gains and secure prosperity for future generations.

“I appreciate the opportunity to join you today in celebrating the remarkable vision of this governor and his predecessors. Today, we have commissioned a major economic hub in this corridor,” Tinubu said.

“Over the past seven years, you have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism in advancing Nigeria’s growth. We celebrate your contributions to national development and commend the people of this great state for their steadfast support.”

The President added: “Our investments are centered on our people. The infrastructure we see today reflects our confidence in the future of our country. We believe that today’s foundation will secure tomorrow’s prosperity.

“While macroeconomic reforms may be challenging, they are already delivering progress. We are integrating this airport project with investments in gas, energy, and other sectors designed to impact every level of society.

“I am particularly pleased with the focus on mobility, security, and agriculture. Strengthening security infrastructure reinforces our resolve to protect lives and property. We will overcome violence and terrorism.

“Nigeria is determined to be great, and we are firmly on the path to achieving that greatness once again.”

In his remarks, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the President’s presence as historic and symbolic, reflecting strong federal support for subnational development.

“Your presence here today reflects not only your commitment to national development but also your belief in subnational governments as engines of growth,” he said.

“We are proud to align with your Renewed Hope Agenda, which is placing our nation on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth.”

Abiodun commended the Federal Government’s bold reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange system and removal of fuel subsidies, noting that such measures are restoring investor confidence and repositioning Nigeria globally.

Highlighting achievements in Ogun State, the governor revealed that internally generated revenue had grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while the state’s GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion within seven years.

He described the Gateway International Airport as a landmark project featuring a nearly four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, forming the nucleus of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.

“Today’s ceremony also marks the launch of Gateway Airlines, beginning operations with Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services aimed at boosting trade and logistics,” he added.

The governor further disclosed that the state had constructed or rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometres of roads, delivered more than 7,000 affordable homes, and completed over 140 primary healthcare centres, alongside a 200-bed medical facility.

Also speaking, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio commended the synergy between the executive and legislature, stressing that such collaboration was key to the achievements recorded.

“Without proper appropriation and cooperation between the executive and legislature, what we see today would not have been possible. Progress like this requires unity, not conflict,” he said.

“Mr. President, many years ago you shared bold ideas for Nigeria, and today you have the opportunity to bring them to life.

“At the federal level, your reforms have strengthened revenue distribution to subnational governments. Today, states are implementing projects, paying salaries, and driving development.”

Akpabio reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to sustaining its partnership with the executive in advancing national development.

The event drew top government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders, marking another milestone in Ogun State’s infrastructure drive and the Federal Government’s broader economic reform agenda. In

Also speaking on the occasion, Obasanjo, who thanked Tinubu for making the sacrifice to attend the event, said it was a very important occasion in the history of Ogun State.

He commended Governor Abiodun for building the airport, describing it as a landmark project.

He said: “I’ve landed here from Abuja, and it took me 45 minutes from here to my home, which is at least 25 minutes shorter than if I had landed in Lagos.

“I want to thank our governor for doing us proud in what we are commissioning today. I am happy to be a witness to this historic occasion.”

The former president, who said he was part of the “conspiracy” to create the state 50 years ago, noted that nobody could have imagined Ogun would be what it is today, considering the developmental projects undertaken by the Governor.

On his part, Aremo Olusegun Osoba commended the President’s efforts at transforming the country, economically, through his different policies that have begin to yeild desired results.

He said, “Since becoming the president over three years ago, one of our greatest gains has been the development of the coastal road. This project reflects your commitment to infrastructure and is progressing steadily. What began as a challenge to littoral states in 1999 is now a reality, and we are proud to see this vision fulfilled under your leadership”.

“We are also witnessing significant industrial growth, particularly in the gas sector. From Sagamu to Abeokuta, thriving industries now line both sides of the road. The development initiatives you began in Lagos have extended their benefits to our state, strengthening our economy and increasing our internally generated revenue to about 25 billion naira monthly, with our budget now in the trillions”.

“Furthermore, key infrastructure such as the Sagamu to Ijebu-Ode road and the corridor from Sagamu Interchange to Ibadan continues to drive economic expansion. Industrial development is rapidly transforming the region, and we are proud beneficiaries of this progress, which clearly reflects the impact of your leadership”.

Other dignitaries at the programme included the governors of Zamfara, Bayelsa, Taraba, Ekiti, Ondo, Niger, and Lagos states; as well as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, and his Lagos counterpart, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Also in attendance were Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, another former governor of the state; Chief Olusegun Osoba; and the Chairman of ANN Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu.

Others included Ambassador Femi Pedro; the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group; and Femi Otedola.