As Nigerian Air Force, Customs show interest in establishing bases within the facility. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that the Gateway Agro Cargo Airport, Ilishan Remo, will run commercial flights when completed.
It is even as authorities of the Nigerian Air force (NAF) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have indicated an interest in establishing their operational bases at the airport.
Prince Abiodun made this known at an interactive meeting with Community Development Councils and Associations leaders from all the 20 local government areas held in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.
The governor disclosed that some airlines had shown interest in operating commercial flights at the airport, which would boost the State’s economy.
“Work is ongoing at our Cargo Airport at Ilisan-Remo. I want to inform you that Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Customs Service have written to me that they would like to have their operational bases at the airport when it is ready.
“Not only that, but some commercial airlines operating in the country have also shown interest in the airport. That means by the grace of God, when the airport starts operations this December, people in Ogun State will have the opportunity to board their flights from there to anywhere they want to go rather than going to Lagos,” he said.
The governor explained that his administration’s decision to build the airport was to ensure that the State benefits from being the industrial hub of the country and the numerous value chains that come from such a gigantic project.
The present administration revitalized the agro-cargo airport after being abandoned by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Its construction commenced in March 2022. When completed by December this year, it would probably become the fastest constructed airport on the continent.
When operational, the project will provide no fewer than 25,000 jobs for the people of the State. Prince Abiodun also spoke on plans by his administration to further open up the State for more investment and social activities.
He disclosed that the Ogun Light Up project that would ensure constant power in the State would kick-start in the capital city and spread to other parts of the State, while Mowe, Ibafo, and Abeokuta will benefit from the urbanization project.
Abiodun informed the community leaders that his administration had started implementing its Multimodal Transportation System with the launch of a pilot Bus Transit program in Abeokuta.
Gov. Abiodun also said the reconstruction of major federal roads such as the Ijebu-Ode-Epe, Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta, and Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads, was to ensure that people carry out their economic activities without stress.
“Our mission was to provide a focused government, and our geographical location informed this. We have a border with the biggest economy in Nigeria, the fifth largest in Africa, and an international border with the Benin Republic.
We encourage investors to come in and invest in our State and, in so doing, create employment opportunities for our youths.
“We also resolved to complete all uncompleted projects that will add economic value to the lives of our people.
As I speak, we have constructed at least a road in all the 20 local government areas. We have rehabilitated schools and provided them with furniture so that they can keep bringing out the best quality of education the State is known for,” he noted.
He assured leaders of the Community Development Councils and Associations that they would be involved in decision-making, particularly on siting and implementing projects in their communities.
The governor also assured the community that the meeting would be held regularly to interface issues affecting the people’s well-being.
Responding, the Chairman, Community Development Council, Ogun Central, Alhaji Waheed Adekunle, appreciated the governor for convening the meeting after waiting for such an opportunity in the State for more than 10 years.
He, however, called on the governor to look into the poor State of the Social Development Institute, Shasha, Ilisan- Remo, intending to put it in proper shape just as empowerment programs should be extended to youth in communities to give them a sense of belonging.
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