As part of  measures deployed to ensure that  peace and harmony reign among the various host  communities especially Iperu and Ilisan where the Gateway International Airport GIA is situated, the State government has initiated a stakeholders meeting and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC)  with  traditional rulers and Community Development Associations (CDA) of the  towns .

The event which took place recently at the premises of the GIA  where the Hon.Commissioner  for Transportation Engr Gbenga Dairo who led the government delegation said that the meeting held at the instance of the Ministry of Transportation was germain in order to  ensure that a peaceful co- existence continues among the various communities whose land were acquired  for the siting of the airport.

 He noted that the issues of compensation to the  families whose lands were  taken, boundaries of the two major towns, local contents, indigenous  employment opportunities were issues  that have been taken care of, however, the Ministry would not leave any stone unturned, hence, the need for this important engagement aimed at finding solutions to any other form of grievances and areas of concern. 

He particularly commended the two major towns Iperu and Ilisan that accommodated the vast land of the Airport saying that the inherent benefits the GIA would bring in the coming years would outlive the present crop of people at the meeting as it has brought the location on the global map just as he revealed that the airport has the longest runways in Nigeria with 11.8km length and has a perimeter fencing all around it to ensure adequate security. 

In his address, the Consultant to the Governor on Aviation, Engr Benedict Adeyileka said that the facility used in constructing the airport remained among the best in the world noting that it's existence would facilitate rapid growth and development for the neighboring towns, and ogun state in general. He advised the communities to start getting their children and wards prepared for possible employment so that when the time comes, considerations will be given to them. 

In their separate responses, the Oluwo of Iperu, High chief (Barrister) Opeodun Ifashola, said that the Iperu community  were grateful to His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON for reviving the Airport project which had completely been left moribund by the last administration saying also that they were delighted and would ensure that peace and harmony continue among them. 

Also speaking, the chairman  of Ilisan development association, Otunba Wemmy Osunde said they were glad with the project, but, he requested that adequate compensation and boundaries matters needed to be looked into critically so that no individuals, village or town would feel cheated .

Responding, the state 

 Surveyor General,   Ewulo said that, due process was done in the areas of land acquisition and compensation, but, they would still check through, perhaps, if there's any areas that needed to be touched.

Earlier, the government delegation had paid homage to the Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Idowu Bosibo in his Palace and also extended  the same gesture at the palace of Olofin of Ilisan, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulmajid Michael Sonuga, where the two monarchs signed the MOC on behalf of their people.

Attendees  at the  stakeholders meeting were the  traditional rulers from all the  towns and villages around the airport, CDA chairmen of both Ilisan and Iperu,  Baales and  chiefs, religious leaders across board , leaders of thoughts, family representatives of acquired lands, Provost of the Obafemi Awolowo College of Medicine Sagamu, Prof Bolanle Fetuga, medical personnel from the government hospitals in Iperu and Ilisan, Head of Local government Admnistration, Ikenne local government.

Leading the pack of the state government delegation is  the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Gbenga Dairo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Adesoji Adewuyi, state   surveyor General, Oladele Ewulo, the  Airport Manager and Chief Executive officer, Captain Dapo Olumide,

Others were, the Consultant to the governor on aviation Engr Ben Adeyileka and other officers from the Ministry of Transportation, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning.