Tinubu: We will defeat banditry and terrorism

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security and investing in human capital to promote sustainable development.
Tinubu made the statement on Saturday when he inaugurated the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, a project of the Ogun State Government.
He noted that the government remains steadfast in its determination to defeat banditry and terrorism, assuring citizens that ongoing measures will yield positive results.
“We will defeat banditry and terrorism,” he said.
The president described the infrastructure projects as vital to strengthening the country’s economic corridors.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for transforming Ogun State and significantly improving the aviation sector through the development of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu.

Tinubu inaugurated the airport and the new state-owned airline, Gateway Airline, as well as other key projects, including road and housing projects.
He thanked Abiodun for his progress in office, saying the governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by the President and the people of Ogun State.
“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity we have today to celebrate the extraordinary vision of a governor and his predecessors. Today we commissioned the economic nerve center of our corridor.
“In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision and patriotism to advance Nigeria. We celebrate you for your contribution to national development.
“I have no regrets about what we did with you.
“As your President, I am pleased to see increased revenue from federal appropriations being used effectively and judiciously to build our country.
“I commend the people of this great state for supporting a government that is making measurable progress, and I thank you for your continued faith in our country,” he said.
While stressing that his administration’s investments are people-centric, Tinubu said the Lord is liberating Nigeria from the mismanagement of the past, adding, “we are back as a nation, well respected and highly recognised.”
He said Gateway Airport is linked to investments in gas and power, adding that Abiodun’s other projects have demonstrated its great commitment to development.
Also speaking at the occasion, former President Olusegun Obasanjo thanked Tinubu for making the sacrifice to attend the event, saying it was a very momentous occasion in the history of the state.
He praised Abiodun for the construction of the airport, describing it as a landmark project.
He said: “I landed here from Abuja, and it took me 45 minutes from here to my house, which is at least 25 minutes less than if I had landed in Lagos.
“I want to thank our governor for making us proud of what we are commissioning today. I am happy to witness this historic occasion.”
In his remarks, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, lauded Tinubu for his reforms, which he said have freed states from owed wages.
He also commended Abiodun for the judicious use of increases in federal appropriations.
In his speech, Abiodun said the President has put the nation on the path to sustainable growth by demonstrating clarity in his economic reforms, which, he said, have repositioned Nigeria as a competitive destination.
He hailed the President’s Renewed Agenda of Hope, saying Nigeria is truly regaining its position as a viable investment destination.
He noted that the facility will handle commercial flights to Abuja and feature a nearly 4km runway for large aircraft, along with a modern control tower, advanced aviation systems and cargo handling infrastructure.
According to him, the facility also hosts a customs base that has evolved into an aerotropolis, positioning the state as a hub for business and logistics.
“Beyond aviation, we have made significant progress over the past seven years, with more than 1,600 km of road infrastructure built or rehabilitated.
“Notable among others are the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, the Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto Expressway and, in these parts, the Sagamu-Iperu-Ode Remo-Sapade Expressway, formerly known as the Old Ibadan Road.
“It has now been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway (an alternative to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway), as well as the Ilishan-Iperu Road and the Airport Road which connects to the Sagamu-Benin Expressway,” he said.