The Governor’s Elders Advisory Council has described the Gateway State International Airport, Ilishan Remo, as the best investment in the state undertaken by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration.
Chairman of the Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, who made this remark on Thursday when he led other members of the council on an inspection tour of the airport, expressed delight with the state-of-the-art facilities at the airport, noting that it could be compared to the best anywhere across the globe.
He enthused: “It is an excellent airport. I have traveled the whole length of the world, and in all these places, I am proud to say that what I have seen here today measures up and is much better than a number of other airports.
“It is the best long-term investment. As it grows over the years, its developmental progress becomes so magnificent that you cannot imagine.
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“Some of us know what Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos used to be many years ago and what it is now. This airport has been planned for the next 20-30 years in terms of growth and development”, Okuboyejo added.
The elder statesman, while describing the airport as the best legacy of Abiodun’s administration, expressed optimism that its objectives would be met, adding that plans should be made to get the approval of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enable the airport to operate international flights, as this would generate income and make it self-financing.
The Elders Council’s Chairman lauded the governor for following the path of great men who build renowned airports across the world, adding that apart from engendering development, the edifice will stand as a reminder of his good works for generations to come.
Okuboyejo said: “Those who build renowned airports in the world are still remembered up till now, and Governor Abiodun will not be an exception. We, his advisers, the elderly, are happy that our own son is putting this up in our own time.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the airport was designed to serve as an anchor project for the various industrial activities taking place in different parts of the state, particularly the axis that falls under the Remo Economic Cluster.
He noted that the airport, in years to come, would be bigger, busier, and experience more activities as other infrastructure begins to spring up.
While assuring that the airport boasts up-to-date facilities, the Commissioner reiterated that the passenger terminal, cargo warehouses, independent power plant, fire station, control tower, among others, are ready on the ground for the airport to begin commercial flights.
In his remarks, the Airport Manager, Captain Dapo Olumide, while conducting the elders around the facility, said officers from relevant aviation regulatory bodies were already positioned at the airport, while finishing touches are being done to ensure seamless flight operations.
He disclosed that the first commercial flight was expected to commence next week Tuesday, as passengers from Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, and other parts of the state had started booking for their flight schedules.
