The Gateway International Airport in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State reached a major milestone on Tuesday as it witnessed the take-off of its first commercial flight.
The ValueJet aircraft, carrying passengers to Abuja, departed from the Illisan-based facility at exactly 10:02 a.m., signaling the start of regular flight operations in the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was on hand to witness the landmark event alongside top government officials and aviation stakeholders, described the occasion as a fulfillment of his administration’s vision to make Ogun a hub for trade, investment, and tourism.
“This is a historic day for us. What we dreamt of, what many thought was impossible, has become a reality,” Abiodun said. “Building an airport is one thing, but making it operational is another. Today, Ogun joins the ranks of states with functional, commercially certified airports.”
According to the governor, the Gateway International Airport forms part of the state’s multi-modal transportation plan — one that integrates road, rail, air, and water transport systems to ease movement and boost industrial growth.
He praised the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for their collaboration during the certification process.
Abiodun added that the airport would not only enhance connectivity but also serve as a catalyst for job creation, investment inflow, and regional economic expansion.
Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, expressed excitement over the development, noting that residents would now enjoy improved convenience and access to air travel without having to journey to Lagos.
“The economic benefits are immense. Within minutes, I can be here and fly directly to Abuja. It’s a new dawn for Ogun,” he said.
Senator Shuaib Salis, representing Ogun Central, who boarded the maiden flight to Abuja, described the experience as both symbolic and deeply personal. “It’s an emotional moment to board a flight from a state-built airport, flying an airline owned by an indigene. This is truly a proud day for Ogun,” he remarked.
The state’s Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, also hailed the development as a “giant leap” toward industrial and economic advancement.
With the first commercial flight now successfully launched, the Gateway International Airport stands as a new beacon of progress — positioning Ogun State as a rising player in Nigeria’s aviation and investment landscape.
