Ogun cargo airport takes maiden flights

The Ogun State International Agro-Cargo Airport on Thursday successfully carried out the official landing of the maiden test flights on its runway in the Ikene Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The first private aircraft landed at 2.15pm, while Valuejet airline landed at 3.30pm, becoming the first commercial flight to land at the cargo airport.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, former governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and the traditional class were on hand to witness the historic moment

Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, was also at the event.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, arrived at the airport in an aircraft which touched down at 2.57pm.

According to the state government, the cargo airport is a mega airport project conceptualised by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The state added that the initiative was meant to create the needed infrastructure to boost the exportation of agricultural and non-agricultural goods.

It was also meant to reinvigorate social, economic activities, which will subsequently increase revenue generation drive of the state.

The Commissioner for transport, Mr Akin Adesanya, said the opening of the cargo airport, which has the longest runway in the country, was made possible following the pledge made by the Dapo Abiodun government to deliver it to the people of the state before his first tenure.

The Managing director of Valuejet Airline, which operated the maiden flight, Mr Kunle Soname, described the opportunity as invaluable to the airline.