The Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for executing strategic infrastructure projects designed to drive the state’s economic growth and position it for the future.
Ibrahim gave the commendation on Monday during a visit to the Gateway International Airport, where he described the airport as a major infrastructure investment and praised Governor Abiodun for demonstrating the vision and political will required to undertake and complete projects with long-term economic value.
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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 the Governor 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 was an important test of leadership.
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Ibrahim said Governor Abiodun 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.
“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,” he said.
The Ambassador contrasted Ogun State’s experience with the challenge of abandoned projects across Nigeria, saying the failure to complete major infrastructure had imposed significant 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 full 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,” Ibrahim said.
He further praised the Ogun State Government for sustaining its commitment to major infrastructure projects, particularly the Gateway International Airport and other strategic road and economic projects, describing them as investments capable of strengthening the state’s competitiveness, attracting investment and creating opportunities for future generations.
Ibrahim 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 Gateway International 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.
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