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.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria Govt Finally Secures Access To Heathrow Airport For Air Peace
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.
READ: Climate Change Chaos: Africa Emits Less But Suffers More
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
