The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended successive administrations in the state for their sustained vision and commitment to the economic transformation of Epe Division.

The APC spokesperson in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, gave the commendation in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, following Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s announcement on the proposed airport project.

He said that the proposed Epe International Airport, the construction of which was expected to begin in 2027, would further strengthen the economic potential of the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Mr Oladejo said that the announcement was a significant milestone in the state’s development agenda and a demonstration of the importance of continuity in governance.

“Gov. Sanwo-Olu made the announcement during the Lagos East APC Governorship Election Campaign flag-off in Epe, while the Deputy Governor and APC Governorship Candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the project,” he said.

According to him, the governor has made significant progress in laying the necessary groundwork and completing the documentation for the airport project.

“The proposed Epe International Airport represents more than another infrastructure project.

“It is the gradual realisation of a far-reaching economic vision conceived many years ago to reposition the Lekki-Epe corridor as a major investment, industrial and commercial hub.

“The vision was initiated under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, when he served as governor of Lagos State, with strategic groundwork for the development of the eastern axis.

“Subsequent administrations have sustained and advanced this vision through infrastructure development, strategic planning and investments aimed at opening up the corridor for economic activities,” he said.

Mr Oladejo acknowledged the contributions of former Governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode to the development of the axis.

He particularly commended Ambode for advancing the proposed airport project through strategic planning, preparatory initiatives and its incorporation into the broader Epe development master plan.

He said the Mr Sanwo-Olu administration had also sustained the development agenda through major infrastructure projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos Coastal Road.

“The proposed airport is the logical completion of an integrated economic ecosystem comprising the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos Coastal Road.

“These projects are interconnected components of an economic architecture designed to unlock the enormous potential of the Lekki-Epe corridor,” he said.

The APC spokesman said the airport, when completed, would enhance connectivity, facilitate international trade, promote tourism, support industrial expansion and attract domestic and foreign investments.

He added that the project would create employment opportunities and provide aviation infrastructure to support the growing commercial and logistics activities across the axis.

Mr Oladejo said the assurances by Mr Sanwo-Olu and Mr Hamzat demonstrated the administration’s determination to move the project from planning to implementation.

He described the airport as a major opportunity for the people of Epe, saying it would open a new economic chapter for the area and future generations.

“From an area largely known for its agricultural and fishing potential, Epe is steadily emerging as a strategic destination for industrial investment, international commerce, logistics, aviation and tourism,” he said.

The spokesman, however, stressed the need for the government to ensure that the various infrastructure investments translated into tangible benefits for residents.

He listed employment opportunities, improved infrastructure, business development and skills acquisition as areas through which local communities should benefit from the projects.

He said the party remained committed to continuity, institutional memory and sustainable development, noting that successive administrations must build on existing foundations.

Mr Oladejo commended Mr Tinubu for the original vision, Messrs Fashola and Ambode for their contributions and Mr Sanwo-Olu for advancing the development agenda and renewing assurances on the airport project.

He also acknowledged Mr Hamzat’s commitment to sustaining the development trajectory of the state.

 (NAN)