Tinubu vows to end terrorism, lauds Nigerian youths

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration would defeat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.

The President made this remark on Saturday during his speech at the inauguration of the Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, along with a raft of other projects.

He added that the deployment of security vehicles at the event was a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He said, “We will win over banditry and terrorism. I give you the assurance that we will invest more in our people. The deployment of additional vehicles is strengthening our resolve to protect lives and property,” Tinubu said.

The President also praised Nigeria’s youth, saying, “Thank God for our youth. They are committed, brilliant and working hard. Nigeria, our country, is resolved to be great and is on the path of greatness once again.”

The inauguration, which was presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, was initially scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, but was postponed after Tinubu travelled to Jos, Plateau State, to commiserate with victims of a Palm Sunday attack.

Gunmen had stormed the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North Local Government Area on March 29, killing at least 28 people and wounding dozens of others.

At the Iperu event on Saturday, Tinubu described the airport as a landmark achievement, noting that it was powered by an independent electricity supply.

“Today, we have virtually commissioned the project. This airport is separately connected to independent power through our investments in gas and energy,” he said.

The President expressed delight at the range of projects unveiled at the ceremony.

“I am particularly pleased with the mobility, security and agricultural initiatives unveiled today,” he said.

He described the deployment of electric bikes as a forward-looking approach to transportation.

“The commissioning of 1,000 electric bikes is a smart response to modern transportation needs, embracing technology rather than fossil fuels to improve daily life,” Tinubu said.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday bowed in respect to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba as the two elder statesmen joined other Ogun leaders in welcoming him on arrival at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

In a video captured by the National Television Authority, Tinubu greeted Obasanjo and Osoba, bowing as he exchanged pleasantries with the duo. Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, and other top dignitaries stood by during the warm reception on the tarmac.

The President thereafter presided over the commissioning of the Gateway International Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two brand-new commercial aircraft for Gateway Air, the state-owned carrier operated in partnership with ValueJet.

He also unveiled the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and handed over operational vehicles at the facility.