By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration’s investments in infrastructure and economic reforms are focused on improving the well-being and long-term prosperity of Nigerians.

The President made this known on Saturday during the inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, a project executed by Governor Dapo Abiodun. He also unveiled two new aircraft for the Gateway Airline.

“Our investment is about our people. The infrastructure underscores our faith in our country, the belief that today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity,” President Tinubu said, expressing appreciation to Nigerians for their continued support.
He commended Governor Abiodun for his dedication to the welfare of the people, noting that the newly commissioned airport is powered by an independent energy source, reflecting a strategic investment in the power sector.
The President highlighted additional initiatives launched during the visit, including 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles, and agricultural tractors, describing them as critical to enhancing mobility, security, and food production.
President Tinubu also applauded Nigerians for their sustained confidence in the All Progressives Congress, stating that ongoing reforms have increased financial resources available to states for development. He expressed satisfaction with how state governors are utilising these resources and praised Governor Abiodun for aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further described the introduction of electric bikes as a forward-looking response to modern transportation challenges, emphasising the importance of embracing technology over fossil fuels.
The President lauded the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for initiatives that have improved the ease of doing business and prioritised staff welfare, noting that his contributions would be remembered.

During the visit, President Tinubu also commissioned a Customs Hub comprising barracks, a training college, a warehouse, and a hospital.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the President’s visit as historic and a clear demonstration of his commitment to national development and support for sub-national growth.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that it has placed Nigeria on the path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth. The governor highlighted key reforms such as the unification of the foreign exchange rate, removal of fuel subsidy, and improvements in public finance management as instrumental in restoring investor confidence.

He also cited major initiatives including the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, NELFUND, rail modernisation, and large-scale highway projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway as evidence of a deliberate economic reset.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu’s democratic credentials and reiterated the importance of the National Assembly in sustaining democracy. He praised the President for pioneering Independent Power Plants during his tenure as Lagos State governor and called for the decentralisation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to improve efficiency.

Akpabio also acknowledged the President’s commitment to strengthening Internally Generated Revenue, noting that it has empowered states financially and reduced dependence on borrowing.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking on behalf of the people of Ogun State, expressed gratitude for the President’s leadership and resilience. He reflected on the state’s progress since its creation 50 years ago, attributing its development to successive administrations.

Dignitaries at the event included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Olayemi Cardoso, alongside several state governors and traditional rulers.