The Gateway International Airport, located in Ilishan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Tuesday, recorded its first commercial flight take-off as a ValueJet aircraft departed for Abuja.

The flight, which took off at exactly 10:02 a.m., marked a historic milestone for the state and was witnessed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, members of his cabinet, and other dignitaries.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the take-off, Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to God for the successful commencement of commercial operations at the airport, describing the event as a “major milestone” in the actualisation of his administration’s vision for an economically vibrant and investment-friendly Ogun State.

“It’s a delightful honour to witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State. This is not like Artificial Intelligence (AI); this is real — commercial operations starting from Ogun State in the lifetime of an administration,” Abiodun said.

The governor noted that the Gateway International Airport is a strategic component of the state’s multi-modal transportation master plan, designed to integrate road, rail, air, and water transport systems to enhance trade, tourism, and industrialisation.

He recalled that the project, which began in 2021, was initially dismissed by critics but has now become a reality through vision, passion and diligence.

“Building an airport is one thing; making it operational is another. It is a highly regulated industry, and we are proud of what has been achieved here,” he added.

Abiodun commended the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, as well as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies for their support and professionalism throughout the certification and approval process.

He emphasised that the airport would serve as a major catalyst for investment inflow, job creation, and improved connectivity, while also expressing appreciation to the people of Ogun State for their continuous support.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, lauded the development as a landmark achievement that would bring comfort and economic benefits to residents.

“I feel elated and on top of the world that this is happening in Ogun State. With this, I don’t need to go to Lagos anymore. Within 20 to 30 minutes, I’m at the airport,” he said.

Similarly, the Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salis, who joined the inaugural flight, described the experience as historic and deeply personal.

“The Senate is resuming plenary today, and there’s nothing more exciting than taking a flight from your own state in an airport built by the state government, in an aircraft operated by another son of Ogun State. History is being made,” he remarked.

The state’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, also hailed the event as a “giant step toward economic development,” commending the governor for his vision and commitment to infrastructural growth.