*Photo:Asiwaju (Balogun) Kamal’deen Akintunde*
The successful airlift of Ogun State pilgrims from the newly constructed Gateway International Airport (GIA) earlier this week marks more than just a logistical milestone; it represents a monumental turning point in the intersection of aviation progress and spiritual devotion in Nigeria. It is a rare and beautiful irony that a facility designed for the rigours of global commerce should commence its international life with the most sacred of human undertakings—the Hajj pilgrimage.
A Day of History and Heart
To the Muslim Ummah, the inaugural flight was not merely a day of departure; it was a day of profound history. There is a popular adage that suggests: “If you can not make history, you must, at the very least, be part of it.” For the first time in the annals of our nation’s Hajj operations, the Ogun contingent began their spiritually fulfilling journey from the comfort and tranquillity of their own home base.
The significance of this can not be overstated. For decades, the “Hajj experience” for many in the South West was synonymous with the logistical bottlenecks, physical exhaustion, and the emotional toll of travelling to distant hubs for embarkation. By delivering this magnificent facility, the state has effectively humanized the pilgrimage process, allowing the faithful to begin their journey toward Allah (SWT) in an atmosphere of peace and dignity.
The Validation of a Vision
His Excellency,Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, deserves high commendation for his tenacity. Transforming what was conceptualized as a “Cargo Airport” into a functional, international reality that meets the most stringent global aviation standards is a masterclass in visionary leadership. He has effectively created a seamless “Gateway to the Holy Land,” proving that the state’s moniker is not just a title but a functional promise.
For me, witnessing the first plane lift off was a moment of deep personal reflection. I recall vividly the annual government-organized Iftar two years ago at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan. Standing before a distinguished audience with the Governor present, I ventured a “prophecy” of sorts: I emphatically stated that the Cargo International Airport, then a skeleton of steel and concrete, would eventually serve as the spiritual launchpad for both Muslim and Christian faithful.
To see that vision manifest—not in years, but in months—is a “good omen.” It suggests that when spirituality and statecraft align, the results are invariably for the common good.
Sustaining the Standard
However, a milestone is not a destination; it is a marker of progress. As we celebrate this maiden success, we must cast our eyes toward the future. The sustainability of the GIA as a hub for foreign, domestic, and cargo flights depends on two pillars: *Completion and Culture.* We urge the State Government to ensure the rapid completion of all ongoing ancillary facilities. More importantly, we must foster a culture of meticulous maintenance. For the GIA to remain an international pride, its management must be as world-class as its infrastructure.
A Charge to the Guests of Allah
To our intending pilgrims: as you board your flights, remember that you are more than just travelers; you are ambassadors of our faith and the “Gateway” identity. You carry with you the image, the hopes, and the silent prayers of millions left behind.
In the holy lands of Makkah al-makarram and Madinah al-manawarrah, where the gates of heaven are open to the cries of the faithful, I urge you to intercede for Nigeria. Pray for our nation to transcend its current security and economic hurdles. Pray for our leaders—from the presidency to the local councils—that Almighty Allah may grant them the wisdom and compassion to navigate our multiple national challenges toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Indeed, the flight has taken off, and with it, the aspirations of a state are ready to take its place on the global stage.
*Asiwaju (Balogun) Kamal’deen Akintunde,
Secretary-General, Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) & former Nat. Presd, NACOMYO, Balogun of Itesi (Egba Alake) Muslims writes from Abeokuta.*