The Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has lauded Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for executing infrastructure projects designed to drive the state’s economic growth and position it for the future.
Dr Ibrahim made the commendation when he visited the Gateway International Airport along Iperu-Ilishan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
·He described the airport as a major project and praised the governor for demonstrating the vision and political will required to undertake and complete it and other projects with long-term economic value.
The Ambassador, who expressed admiration for the aesthetics, quality and overall development of the airport, described the facility as one of the best of its kind in Nigeria.
He also commended Abiodun for completing major projects initiated by his administration since 2019, noting that the ability to navigate the financial, technical and administrative complexities associated with large-scale infrastructure is an important test of leadership.
Dr Ibrahim said the governor had distinguished himself among governors in the country by demonstrating an understanding that sustainable development required investments whose benefits extended beyond the immediate political cycle.
His words: ‘What he has done is simple: he talks to the future. All his projects, the one I always thank him for is that of Epe to Ijebu-Ode. I can’t believe how that was done.
‘This project is talking to the future of Ogun State. He is a Governor that is littered with mega projects.’
The Ambassador contrasted Ogun State’s experience with the challenge of abandoned projects across Nigeria, saying the failure to complete major infrastructure had imposed high economic costs on the country.
According to him, Nigeria has thousands of abandoned projects, with some of the most capital-intensive among them involving significant public borrowing.
He cited the Ajaokuta Steel Complex as an example, lamenting that decades after its establishment, the project had yet to realise its industrial potential.
‘Ajaokuta is 42 years old, and I don’t know when we will finish it. You can imagine somebody born 42 years ago hasn’t been able to produce a single iron. Ajaokuta. So, you can’t keep counting,’ Dr Ibrahim said.
He praised the Ogun State Government for sustaining its commitment to major infrastructure projects, particularly the airport and other economic projects, describing them as investments capable of strengthening the state’s competitiveness, attracting investment and creating opportunities for future generations.
The Ambassador said the completion and utilisation of such projects demonstrated the importance of continuity, effective project management and a development philosophy anchored on long-term economic planning.
The airport, he noted, represents more than an aviation facility, as its strategic location and connection to Ogun State’s industrial and commercial centres could enhance trade, logistics, tourism and investment.
He urged governments at all levels to prioritise projects that could deliver enduring economic value rather than abandoning major investments with changes in administration.
*Tinubu celebrates Zulum, Ekpenyong on birthdays
From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Asukwo Ekpenyong on their birthdays.
He described Zulum as one of the exceptional governors of the current dispensation and Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South in the Senate, as one of Nigeria’s bright young leaders contributing to the country’s democratic development.
Zulum turned 65 yesterday and Ekpenyong, 41.
The President, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the governor had distinguished himself through visionary and reform-driven leadership that helped to stabilise Borno State and deepen its development.
Tinubu praised Zulum for bringing the rigour and discipline associated with academia into public administration and for implementing reforms aimed at improving the lives of the people.
He said: ‘Governor Zulum is one of the exceptional governors of this dispensation. He brought the rigour and discipline of academia into governance, introduced landmark reforms, and fostered development in Borno. I thank him for his support and encourage him to keep providing exemplary leadership to the people.
‘As he celebrates this birthday, I wish him more years of good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve Borno and the nation.’
In another statement, the President celebrated Ekpenyong, the youngest senator in the 10th National Assembly, for bringing energy, ideas and a strong sense of service to public life.
Tinubu said the lawmaker represents a generation of young Nigerians who have chosen to take responsibility for the country’s future.
He expressed confidence that his best years of public service are still ahead of him.
‘Senator Ekpenyong represents a generation of young Nigerians who have chosen to step forward and take responsibility for the future of our country. At a young age, he has already built an impressive record of public service, and I am confident that his best years of service still lie ahead,’ the President said.