Amanze Chinonye
History was made in Ogun State on Tuesday morning as the first-ever commercial flight departed the Gateway International Airport (GWI), Iperu-Ilishan, bound for Abuja marking the official start of commercial flight operations in the state.
The ValueJet operated flight completed the journey to Abuja in just 45 minutes, a feat Governor Dapo Abiodun described as “a dream fulfilled” and “a defining moment in Ogun’s transport and economic evolution.”
According to a state official who witnessed the event, “After the plane took off, we stayed behind for the Governor’s 15-minute press briefing, then started our trip back to Abeokuta. Thirty minutes later, I got a text from Gbenga Saka: ‘We’ve arrived Abuja.’
Governor Abiodun, addressing journalists after the maiden flight’s departure, said the launch represents “a new dawn in Ogun’s aviation history” and a key part of his administration’s multimodal transport masterplan, designed to integrate air, road, and rail systems for seamless movement across the state.
“This milestone is not just a triumph for government but for every Ogun citizen who believed in the vision,” he said. “The Gateway International Airport stands as a symbol of progress, possibilities, and prosperity built to global standards and designed to serve generations to come.”
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The Gateway International Airport, located strategically between Iperu and Ilishan-Remo, features modern terminals, cargo facilities, and advanced navigation systems built to international standards. The project aims to enhance business mobility, attract investments, and position Ogun as Nigeria’s emerging economic hub.
Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to ValueJet for pioneering the first commercial route and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to infrastructure that fosters industrial expansion and job creation.
Industry experts say the operational launch will not only ease air travel for residents of Ogun and neighbouring states but also help decongest Lagos airports and strengthen the Southwest’s regional connectivity.
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