Ogun Permanent Secretary, Rotimiolu Akinlesi hails Gov Abiodun, says 46-years after, my secondary school dream of having airport in my hometown becomes a reality.

Since 1979, as a first-year student at Mayflower School, Ikenne, I have consistently expressed my vision of airplanes departing from my hometown to destinations worldwide. Many doubted this possibility, and even I was uncertain of how it would materialize. 

During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Ilorin, I continued to share this aspiration, often met with skepticism and laughter. My Ph.D days at the University of Ibadan and  my time as a staff at the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) were no different, as colleagues often jested about the idea, questioning, "Iperu? Which village is that?"

But today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after 46 years of sating it over and over and believing it will happen, I am thrilled to witness the inaugural commercial flight from my town to Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. This milestone is a testament to perseverance and vision. Though I could not be physically present today at the airport but listening to news coming in from all over the world gladens my heart. So my Iperu is now well known.. (lol) 

Definitely my next trip to Abuja will be from Iperu. I learnt it is just a 43-minute journey.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated and visionary Governor, His Excellency Prince Dr. Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, whose leadership made this achievement possible. This remarkable accomplishment is a source of pride not only for Iperu but also for Remoland and Ogun State as a whole.

Congratulations to us all. I am proud!

Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi