President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ending banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, declaring, "We will overcome banditry and terrorism." He made the statement yesterday during the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport and several road projects in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. Tinubu praised Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for prioritising security infrastructure, particularly through the provision of modern vehicles for security personnel. "Strengthening security infrastructure reinforces our resolve to protect lives and property," Tinubu said.
The president described the newly commissioned airport as a major economic hub, lauding Abiodun's administration for its seven-year record of development. He credited the state's leadership with patriotism and vision, adding that Nigeria is "firmly on the path to achieving greatness again." The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and several governors. Abiodun hailed Tinubu's economic reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange market and removal of fuel subsidies, as pivotal to restoring investor confidence.
He highlighted the airport's nearly four-kilometre runway and the launch of Gateway Airlines, which will operate Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. Akpabio and Obasanjo both expressed support for Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu's repeated vow to defeat banditry rings hollow when uttered at a ribbon-cutting event far from the crisis zones. The president's focus on praising governors and unveiling projects does little to explain how his security strategy differs from past failed approaches. Nigerians in the Northwest and North Central still face daily attacks, regardless of how many runways are built in Ogun State. Without concrete updates on troop deployment, intelligence overhauls or community engagement, such promises remain performative.
