Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu hail Soname’s entrepreneurial impact at 60

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have praised the exemplary leadership of the owner of ValueJet Airline, Mr Kunle Soname.

They described him as an icon of entrepreneurial drive, an uncommon humanist, and an extraordinary Nigerian deserving of accolades as he turned 60.

Both governors made the remarks on Monday at Soname’s 60th birthday celebration held at Ereke Civic Centre, Ikenne Remo.

Other dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide; Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade; former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports, Philip Shaibu; among others.

Others present were Princess Adesola Elegbeji, representing Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, representing Imeko-Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency; Senators Gbenga Ashafa, Wasiu Eshinlokun (Lagos Central), Olorunimbe Mamora, and Lekan Mustapha.

Abiodun said as an experienced and successful businessman in the aviation sector, Soname had provided significant support and inspiration to his administration, particularly in the transformation of the Gateway International Airport from a bush site in 2022 into a functional facility.

He described Soname as an exemplary entrepreneur who has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives through ventures in aviation, sports, and philanthropy.

The governor noted that despite his achievements, Soname, a former Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, remained humble and consistently supportive of national development efforts.

“We gathered here this afternoon to celebrate a God-fearing man, an icon, an honest entrepreneur in the true sense of it. He has continued to touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.

“I dare say our dear Kunle Soname is dependable, reliable, accountable, transparent, and very loyal to friendship. Not all entrepreneurs possess these virtues. He is always bound by his word and remains very humble despite all that God has done for him.

“He remains a national pride, and Ikenne Remo in Ogun State is proud to have produced such a worthy and exemplary Nigeri an like him,” Abiodun said.

The governor also dismissed claims regarding the Gateway International Airport project, insisting his administration initiated and completed it.

“In 2022, when we decided to pick up the courage to have the airport project built and we visited the site, what we saw was a jungle, a wilderness.

“We took the decision to build that airport to the glory of God. We chose not to have a ground-breaking ceremony because we felt there was no need to make noise about it, as many governments have had ground-breaking events and the airport remains a PowerPoint airport.

“So when I hear some people say that they started this project, I just laugh. God started our project and delivered it to us. Kunle Soname was extremely instrumental. He was very supportive. He shared that vision with us and held our hands every step of the way. The first commercial flight that took off from that airport was ValueJet,” he said.

Abiodun also recalled Soname’s support during the 2019 governorship election and his contributions to sports development and governance in the state.

He prayed for continued divine preservation, sound health, and greater impact for the celebrant.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Soname as a man of honour and a “product of grace” who has continued to impact humanity positively.

“I am extremely proud to be counted as one of your friends because of what you mean to humanity. We have been together for years, and you have not changed a bit; you are always a man of your word, that is not too common.

“You are a product of grace, and you have remained humble. You have continued to promote Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity on the global stage.

“You have brought many positive things to the table, and we pray that Almighty God will continue to preserve you for many more wonderful years in sound health,” he said.

Also speaking, Olopade commended Soname’s contributions to sports development and urged him to sustain his support for the sector.

In his exhortation, the Bishop of Remo Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev Bamidele Ibikunle, described Soname as a product of grace, urging him to remain steadfast in his relationship with God.

The celebration featured gospel performances by BJ Sax, Yinka Alaseyori, Gbenjo, and Tope Alabi, among others.