President Bola Tinubu on Saturday transformed Iperu, Ogun State into a showcase for his Renewed Hope Agenda, inaugurating a cargo international airport, a new airline, 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles and tractors — all in a single day — signalling that Nigeria’s development engine is finally moving at full throttle.
From aviation to agriculture, the message from Iperu was unmistakable: Ogun State is open for business, and Tinubu wants the rest of Nigeria to follow its lead.
Standing on the tarmac of the newly inaugurated Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu — a project delivered by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration — Tinubu declared that steel, concrete and runways are not just symbols of progress, they are its engine.
The President called the airport a pivotal trade and investment hub, establishing Ogun as a crucial logistics centre.
He also unveiled newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Airline, marking a milestone in the state’s aviation and logistics development drive.
Tinubu said the airline would make travel more accessible, eliminate delays, and directly benefit local businesses by improving the movement of goods and people within Ogun and to other parts of the country.
“Our investment centres on our people. This infrastructure highlights our conviction that today’s groundwork paves the way for tomorrow’s success,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that government initiatives must directly benefit livelihoods and create jobs, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
Tinubu lauded Abiodun’s dedication to residents’ welfare, noting its alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said collaboration between federal and state governments was essential to achieving inclusive and balanced national development.
The airport is powered by an independent energy source, reflecting investment in reliable, sustainable infrastructure.
The President noted that a stable energy supply was critical to efficient airport operations and broader industrial growth.
“Development must touch every level. I am pleased with the mobility, security and agricultural initiatives delivered today,” he added.
He stressed that no sector should be left behind in the country’s development agenda, particularly rural and productive communities.
Tinubu also inaugurated 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles and tractors to boost transport, safety and agricultural productivity.
He said the equipment would help people and goods move efficiently, improve community security, and increase state farm output through advanced agricultural tools.
Tinubu said the electric bike initiative exemplifies a savvy response to evolving transport needs and fosters cleaner, technology-driven mobility.
He added that the initiative aligned with global trends toward environmentally friendly and cost-efficient transportation solutions.
Tinubu commended Nigerians for sustaining their faith in the APC, noting that reforms have increased the resources available to sub-national governments.
He said increased revenue had enabled impactful state projects and lessened reliance on federal allocations.
Tinubu said he was proud of governors’ prudent use of resources and praised Abiodun’s leadership and alignment with federal development policies.
He urged other states to emulate such developmental synergy to accelerate national progress.
Tinubu also lauded the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, for initiatives that have improved the ease of doing business and staff welfare.
He said efficient customs operations were vital to trade facilitation, revenue generation and economic stability.
During the visit, he inaugurated a Customs hub comprising barracks, a training college, a warehouse and a hospital.
He said the facilities would boost operational efficiency, improve living conditions for customs personnel, and help the service process goods and people more quickly and accurately.
Earlier, Abiodun described the visit as historic, emphasising Tinubu’s commitment to both national development and support for sub-national growth, which he said was evident throughout the day’s projects.
He said the projects symbolised strong federal backing for state-driven economic initiatives, reinforcing the collaborative approach discussed earlier.
According to the governor, the reforms have placed Nigeria on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline and sustainable growth.
He noted that improved fiscal management results in more stable prices and increased investor trust, which, in turn, promotes stronger economic conditions.
Abiodun highlighted foreign exchange unification, the removal of the fuel subsidy, and public finance restructuring as measures that would restore investor confidence.
He said the reforms are reshaping Nigeria’s economy for resilience and enduring competitiveness.
“Your efforts in expanding revenue through improved tax administration and digitisation are addressing long-standing structural challenges,” the governor said.
He added that stronger institutions were critical to sustaining growth and improving public service delivery.
Abiodun cited initiatives such as the CNG programme, NELFUND, rail modernisation and highway projects as indicators of economic reset.
He said these projects further demonstrated a deliberate commitment to rebuilding infrastructure and supporting key sectors, echoing the government-wide emphasis on sustainable growth.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also commended Tinubu’s democratic credentials and affirmed the National Assembly’s role in strengthening democracy alongside ongoing reforms.
He stated legislative backing is essential for sustaining reforms and ensuring diligent governance.
Akpabio said Tinubu pioneered independent power projects in Lagos and advocated decentralisation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
He said decentralisation would improve efficiency, attract investment and address persistent power challenges.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Tinubu’s leadership as visionary and purposeful in advancing Ogun’s development trajectory.
According to him, consistent leadership is essential for sustaining long-term infrastructural and economic gains.
“When Ogun was created 50 years ago, we never envisaged today’s level of development,” Obasanjo said.
He noted that the state’s transformation reflects sustained investment and policy continuity over the decades.
Dignitaries included the Finance Minister, Wale Edun; the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo; and the Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani.
Also present was Central Bank governor, Olayemi Cardoso, alongside state governors and traditional rulers.
