The Gateway International Airport in Illisan, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, made history on Tuesday as it recorded its first-ever commercial flight. A Value Jet aircraft departed from the new airport at exactly 10:02 a.m., heading to Abuja, with Governor Dapo Abiodun and top government officials in attendance.
Speaking to journalists after the takeoff, Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to God, saying it was a dream come true for his administration. He described the event as a major milestone in his vision to make Ogun State an investment hub and an economically vibrant state.
“This is a proud and emotional moment,” Abiodun said. “In 2021, when we began this project, some people said it was just politics or a waste of time. But today, we’ve proven that with vision, passion, and dedication, great things can be achieved. Building an airport is one thing, but making it operational is another — it’s a highly regulated industry, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
The governor explained that the new airport is part of a larger plan to develop a multi-modal transportation system in the state — connecting road, rail, air, and water transport — to promote trade, tourism, and industrial growth. He thanked the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other security agencies for their cooperation in getting the airport certified and approved.
According to Abiodun, the Gateway International Airport will play a key role in attracting investments, creating jobs, and enhancing connectivity across the region. He also appreciated Ogun residents for their continued support, noting that his administration has worked hard to make the state a preferred destination for investors.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, shared his excitement about the development, saying, “I feel elated and proud. This airport brings economic growth, convenience, and comfort. I no longer have to travel to Lagos — within 20 to 30 minutes, I’m here and ready to fly.”
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Senator Shuaib Salis, representing Ogun Central, also expressed his joy before boarding the flight to Abuja. “This is truly special. The Senate resumes today, and I’m taking a flight from my own state, in an airport built by our government, with an airline owned by a fellow Ogun indigene. History is being made,” he said.
The state’s Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, described the occasion as a “historic and bold step” toward economic advancement, praising the government’s commitment to infrastructural development.
