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Nigerian billionaire Kunle Soname’s ValueJet on February 26, 2024, operated the first commercial flight from the new Gateway International Airport in Ogun State, opening a new chapter for the state’s transport network and for the privately owned carrier.
The flight, using a ValueJet aircraft registered 5N-BXS, departed for Abuja at 10:10 a.m. local time with about 90 passengers on board. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the airport for the ceremony, said the launch showed that private investment could help improve regional connectivity.
The airport project began in 2021 as part of the state’s plan to create an industrial and logistics hub. ValueJet carried out a test landing at the site in early 2023, but Monday’s flight marked the start of scheduled passenger services. Aviation regulators cleared the facility for operations after inspections earlier this year.
Soname is widely known as the founder of Bet9ja, one of Africa’s leading sports-betting platforms. He also owns Remo Stars FC, a football club in Nigeria’s top league, and in 2015 became the first Nigerian to own a European club with his purchase of Clube Desportivo Feirense in Portugal. His investments extend to Optimus Bank, Ceramco Trading Limited in ceramics manufacturing, as well as holdings in real estate, agriculture and hospitality.
Ogun State officials hope the new airport will spur trade and manufacturing by linking local industries to national and regional markets. Analysts say the key test for ValueJet will be to offer consistent and reliable service in a competitive and often challenging domestic market.
