The Gateway International Airport, Illisan, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun, on Tuesday recorded its first commercial flight take-off, as a Value Jet airplane conveyed passengers from the airport to Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plane took off at 10.02 a.m, in the presence of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, and other government functionaries.
Speaking with newsmen after the official take-off of the first commercial flight, Abiodun appreciated God for making it possible.
“The economic gains, the comfort and the convenience are some of the advantages of this airport in Ogun state. I don’t need to go to Lagos. Within 20 to 30 minutes, I am here,” he said.
In an interview before boarding the aircraft, the Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salis, expressed excitement at the new development.
“The Senate is resuming plenary today, there is nothing more exciting than to take a flight from your own state in an airport built by the state government, in an airplane operated by another son of Ogun state.
“History is being made, we are grateful to God and the governor. It is a great opportunity,” he said.
The state’s Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, described the event as historic and a giant step toward economic development.
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