We will defeat banditry, terrorism --- Tinubu
…as he commissions airport, other projects in Ogun President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed that his administration will decisively tackle banditry and terrorism across the country. Tinubu, who recently returned
...as he commissions airport, other projects in Ogun
- By Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed that his administration will decisively tackle banditry and terrorism across the country.
Tinubu, who recently returned from Jos, the Plateau State capital, where he paid a condolence visit to families affected by the Palm Sunday attack that claimed at least 19 lives, said his government remains resolute in ending violence and restoring security nationwide.
The president gave the assurance on Saturday during the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport and other legacy projects in Ilishan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, executed by Dapo Abiodun.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to nation-building, Tinubu said efforts were ongoing to empower young people through increased investment in their development.
He commended Abiodun for what he described as the judicious use of federal allocations for the benefit of the state and the country, citing the Gateway International Airport as a key example of impactful infrastructure development.
The president added that he was particularly impressed by the governor’s focus on mobility, security, and agriculture, noting that such priorities merit recognition.
He said, "Our investments are centered on our people. The infrastructure we see today reflects our confidence in the future of our country. We believe that today’s foundation will secure tomorrow’s prosperity.
"I assure you that we will continue to make progress. Nigeria is determined to be great and we are firmly on the path to achieving that greatness once again," he said.
"Today, we commission a major economic hub in this corridor. Over the past seven years, you have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism in advancing Nigeria’s growth".
Advertisement
300x250
"We celebrate you today for your contributions to national development. I have no regrets and I congratulate the people of this great state for their steadfast support of the government.
"I stand before you with a deeply grateful heart. God has endowed us with a great nation and given us the opportunity to move beyond past mismanagement. Our commitment to the future is clear—today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead".
"Let me especially commend all those contributing to national development. Your efforts will go a long way. While macroeconomic reforms may be challenging, they are already delivering progress for our country."
"This airport project is integrated with independent investments in gas and energy, alongside other initiatives designed to impact every level of society.
"I am particularly pleased with the focus on mobility, security, and agriculture. The introduction of modern transportation solutions, including new vehicles, reflects a shift toward innovation and improved daily life. Strengthening security infrastructure reinforces our resolve to protect lives and property. We will overcome violence and terrorism,"
Earlier in his address, Governor Abiodun disclosed that all the legacy projects executed by his administration since inception of office were borne out of shared commitment to the overall infrastructural development of Nigeria.
Abiodun declared that his administration in the Gateway state would continue to partner the federal government toward driving national development.
"Your presence here today is both historic and symbolic. It reflects not only your commitment to national development but also your strong belief in sub-nationals governments as engines of growth".
"We are proud to align with your Renewed Hope Agenda, which is placing our nation on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth".
"As you have rightly said, there can be no development without discipline in governance and clarity of purpose. That clarity is evident in your bold economic reforms—particularly the unification of the foreign exchange system, the removal of fuel subsidies, and the repositioning of public finances to reflect market realities".
"These courageous decisions are restoring investor confidence, attracting capital inflows, and repositioning Nigeria as a competitive global destination".
"Your Excellency, the Gateway International Airport stands as a defining legacy of this administration. Built from the ground up and now fully operational, it features a nearly four-kilometre runway capable of handling large aircraft, a modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities. It is the centerpiece of our emerging aerotropolis"
Advertisement
300x250
Abiodun however, commended President Tinubu for all the initiatives introduced by his administration, which he said have laid the foundation for long-term prosperity of the country.
"Key initiatives such as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, student loan schemes, rail modernization, and major highway projects—including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway—demonstrate a deliberate reset of our national economy"
"Your administration has also shown courage in tackling fiscal leakages, promoting local production, and improving the ease of doing business through regulatory reforms".
"This renewed focus on infrastructure financing, public-private partnerships, and investment in agriculture, power, and transportation is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity."
In his goodwill address, the Senate Preside, Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the role of the State House of Assembly (OGHA) in the actualization of all the projects being celebrated, stressing that through the budget appropriation, Abiodun was able to achieve them all.
Read Also: UK-based Nigerian business group hails Tinubu’s procurement reforms
He said if the assembly were opposed to it, it wouldn't have happened without their cooperation.
Akpabio also commended the OGHA for the roles they have played towards ensuring that Abiodun achieved the developmental feats.
Advertisement
300x250
"Without proper appropriation and collaboration between the executive and legislature, what we see today would not have been possible. Progress like this requires unity, not conflict.
Mr. President, many years ago, you shared bold ideas for Nigeria. Today, you have the opportunity to bring those ideas to life.
"You were among the pioneers of independent power initiatives in Nigeria, and your commitment to internally generated revenue began during your time in Lagos. That model is now being replicated across states, including Ogun".
"We are moving toward greater decentralization of power—both in electricity and governance—so that states can take more responsibility for development and service delivery"
"Today, we see the results: states are implementing projects, paying salaries, and driving development. I commend the Governor of Ogun State and all governors who are delivering meaningful progress across the country".
The Senate President however, hinted that the National Assembly (NASS) will remain committed towards partnering with the executive to sustain this momentum.
In attendance at airport and other projects commissioning ceremony included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, ex-Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Tunde Lemo, CBN Governor Yemi Cardiso, Borno State Governor Zulum, Chief Femi Majekodunmi, the Ebumawe of Ago - Iwoye, Oba Abdul- Rasaq Adenugba, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle among others.
Also in attendance were industrialist Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako - Oyedele and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo among others.
