With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu having formally commissioned the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo on April 4, 2026, attention in Ogun State has swiftly shifted from celebration to execution. The new facility, designed to serve as a major aviation and logistics hub, risks becoming another underutilised public asset unless paired with an aggressive strategy to drive traffic, investment, and a vibrant destination economy.
The airport’s inauguration, which also included the launch of Gateway Air (in partnership with ValueJet) and other infrastructure projects, marks a significant milestone for Ogun State. Yet, as observers note, airports thrive not merely on runways and terminals but on sustained passenger and cargo volumes supported by a thriving economic ecosystem.
Otunba Segun Showunmi, PDP chieftain and Convener of The Alternative movement, has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for activating the airport and positioning Ogun as a compelling destination. In a detailed statement, Showunmi warned against treating infrastructure as an end in itself—a common pitfall in Nigeria where projects often fade into underutilisation after the ceremonial phase.
“Ogun is not an empty proposition,” he stated. “It is rich in culture, industry, agriculture, history, and proximity advantage. What has been missing is orchestration—the deliberate packaging and projection of these assets into a compelling, year-round destination economy.”
Immediate Priorities: Visibility and Quick Wins
Showunmi called for an urgent Destination Ogun” launch campaign anchored at the airport itself. Branding should highlight iconic assets such as Olumo Rock, the global appeal of Adire fabric, the state’s coastline, and its rich culinary heritage. The core message: Ogun is open, accessible, and ready for business and leisure.
In the first quarter, he recommended leaning into high-potential sectors like food and wellness through initiatives such as the #TasteOgun campaign. Farm-to-table festivals in Abeokuta and Sagamu could position the state as a hub for authentic, healthy cuisine, while organic markets and eco-retreats tap into growing global demand for wellness tourism.
By mid-year, cultural heritage should take centre stage. Proposals include transforming the Olumo Rock visit into a dynamic, technology-enhanced experience with competitions and storytelling, alongside an Adire Carnival to elevate the traditional craft into a global fashion and cultural event. Strategic media partnerships would ensure Ogun features as a headline destination rather than an afterthought.
Leveraging Proximity and Momentum
A key advantage lies in Ogun’s location. The #FlyOgun campaign should emphasise convenience as a practical alternative to Lagos’ chronic congestion. Seamless travel packages, airline partnerships, and integrated hospitality offerings could make the airport the preferred entry point for many travellers.
In the second half of the year, existing cultural festivals like Ojude Oba should receive amplification, paired with a deliberate diaspora homecoming strategy to convert cultural ties into economic activity. New events, such as a curated Ogun Beach Festival, could diversify the tourism calendar.
Beyond Tourism: Attracting Investment
Tourism alone will not suffice. Showunmi proposed a Tourism and Hospitality Summit by the eleventh month to attract investors, hotel chains, airlines, and diaspora business networks. The goal: translate increased foot traffic into fixed capital through resorts, logistics hubs, agro-processing zones, and conference facilities.
The year should conclude with a strong holiday campaign featuring discounts and bundled experiences to boost traffic, followed by transparent reporting of key metrics—visitor numbers, investment inflows, and sectoral growth—to build credibility and momentum into the following year.
A Call for Disciplined Execution
Success, according to Showunmi, demands private-sector precision rather than bureaucratic lethargy. Monthly thematic campaigns, consistent media engagement, and structured influencer partnerships form the “machinery of modern destination marketing.”
“If properly activated, Ogun Airport can become one of the fastest-growing regional gateways in Nigeria,” he concluded. “But if neglected, it will join the long list of underperforming public investments that promised much and delivered little.”
Showunmi, who has previously commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision for the project and described the airport as a catalyst for economic prosperity, positioned the moment as one requiring bold, sustained action rather than half measures.
The airport is now built and commissioned. As stakeholders agree, the true test lies in the months ahead: turning infrastructure into a functioning economic engine for Ogun State and the wider region.
