Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel has expressed profound appreciation to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for adopting and prioritising the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport project, a landmark initiative originally conceived during Daniel’s own tenure as Governor.
The acknowledgement came during the commissioning of the Renewed Hope International Market in the hinterlands of Ìgodè, Sagamu, where the senator juxtaposed high-level state projects with pressing local infrastructure needs.
In a notable moment that bridged past and present administrations, Senator Daniel publicly thanked Governor Abiodun for ensuring the vision for the airport did not fade. “I thank the current Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for sharing in this vision, prioritising the airport project, for complementing our efforts and ensuring that our initiative did not go to waste,” Daniel stated. “We look forward to its completion.”
This commendation highlighted a rare continuity in governance, celebrating the current administration’s commitment to advancing a project designed to spur industrialisation and attract major investment clusters to Ogun State.
However, the event swiftly turned from state-level triumphs to the stark realities of local neglect. Revealing the extent of personal commitment required to initiate development in the area, Senator Daniel shared the challenges faced in establishing the new market.
“When we chose this location, there was no road. Without support, we had to deploy personal funds to make the road motorable,” he disclosed, underscoring the isolation of the Ìgodè community.
He followed this revelation with a direct and urgent public appeal to the state government: “We call on the State Government to look kindly on the people here and tar the road, thereby opening this town to neighboring areas and enabling full optimization of the market.”
The poignant appeal served as a powerful reminder that while large-scale projects like the airport are crucial for broad economic growth, the success of grassroots community development hinges on basic infrastructure like accessible roads.
Beyond the immediate projects, Senator Daniel also used the platform to report on his national efforts, informing constituents that he is actively working on the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province, a move promising greater federal allocations and enhanced employment opportunities for the region.
The commissioning in Ìgodè thus became a multifaceted narrative: a recognition of gubernatorial stewardship on a legacy project, a celebration of a new community asset, and a vocal, heartfelt petition for the fundamental infrastructure needed to make it all truly work for the people.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
