Tinubu to Nigerians: We’ll overcome banditry, terrorism challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will overcome the challenges of banditry and terrorism affecting parts of the country.

The President gave the assurance while speaking at the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, the launch of two airlines, and other landmark projects initiated by the administration of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Dignitaries at the event included former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas; and Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal.

Also present were former Ogun State governors, including Olusegun Osoba; Senators Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; and business leaders such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, and Abdul Samad Rabiu. The Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, was also in attendance.

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Traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other notable Nigerians were also present at the event.

President Tinubu commended the resilience of Nigerians, expressing confidence that the country would overcome its security challenges.

“Strengthening security infrastructure reinforces our resolve to protect lives and property. We will overcome violence and terrorism. Thank God for our youths. Nigeria, our country, is resolved to be great, and we are on the path,” he said.

The President also praised Governor Abiodun for his vision and commitment to infrastructural development, noting that resources from the Federation Account had been effectively utilised for people-oriented projects.

He added that the airport project is integrated with investments in gas and energy, alongside other initiatives designed to impact various sectors of the economy.

“We believe that today’s foundation will secure tomorrow’s prosperity. I stand before you with a deeply grateful heart. God has endowed us with a great nation and given us the opportunity to move beyond past mismanagement,” Tinubu said.

Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, thanked the President for his commitment to national development and support for sub-national governments as drivers of growth.

He highlighted efforts such as tackling fiscal leakages, promoting local production, and improving the ease of doing business through regulatory reforms as key steps toward economic advancement.

The governor said the state’s internally generated revenue had grown from N40 billion to over N250 billion in seven years, while its gross domestic product increased from N4 trillion to N17 trillion.

Describing the airport as a legacy project, Abiodun said it was built from scratch into a fully operational facility.

“This Gateway International Airport features a nearly four-kilometre runway capable of handling large aircraft, a modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities. It is the centrepiece of our emerging aerotropolis,” he said.

He added that the event also marked the launch of Gateway Airlines, which will begin operations with Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services to boost trade and logistics.

Abiodun further noted that his administration had constructed or rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometres of roads to improve connectivity across key economic corridors.

In goodwill messages, Senate President Akpabio commended governors for delivering progress in their states and assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the executive.

Obasanjo also lauded Abiodun for the airport project and acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations in laying its foundation.