By Cosmas Okereafor
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has been honoured as “The Minister of the Decade” at the Centenary Celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria, held today at the ThisDay Dome, Abuja.This, was contained in a press statement signed by Tunde Mushood, the Special Advisor to the honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr.Festus Keyamo(SAN), on Media and Communications, and made available to Upright. The prestigious recognition was presented as part of the Times Heroes Award, themed “Honouring the Past and Shaping the Future,” celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose leadership and achievements are helping to shape the nation’s future.The colourful centenary event attracted an impressive gathering of Nigeria’s political class, business mogul, media and cultural elite, including top government functionaries and prominent figures who have contributed to the growth of the country over the years.The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was ably represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.Also in attendance were the Governors of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal; Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule; and Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside other distinguished guests.The occasion also provided an opportunity to celebrate some of the legends and former leaders of the Daily Times, including former Managing Directors and other personalities whose contributions helped build the newspaper into one of Nigeria’s most iconic media institutions.Founded in 1926, the Daily Times occupies a special place in Nigeria’s media history.
For decades, it was one of the country’s most influential newspapers, playing a significant role in shaping public discourse, documenting Nigeria’s political and social evolution, and serving as an important platform for national conversations.Following years of decline and institutional challenges, the Daily Times was taken over by Fidelis Anosike, Chairman of Folio Communications Limited, who embarked on efforts to revive and reposition the historic brand. Under the new ownership, the Daily Times legacy has been reinvigorated, with renewed emphasis on preserving its heritage while positioning the institution for relevance in the contemporary media landscape.The recognition of the Aviation Minister came against the backdrop of the far-reaching reforms and transformation taking place across Nigeria’s aviation sector under his leadership.The Minister was accompanied and strongly supported at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, Chief Executives of the various aviation agencies, including Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Engr. Farouk Umar, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet); Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, Rector/Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT); and Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Vice Chancellor of the Africa Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), as well as Directors across the Ministry and its agencies.The award plaque was presented to the Minister by His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.In his remarks after receiving the award, the Minister expressed appreciation for the honour, but immediately dedicated the recognition to the leadership and staff of the aviation agencies under his supervision.
Keyamo said the achievements recorded in the aviation sector could not be attributed to him alone, stressing that the Chief Executive Officers and Directors across the Ministry and its agencies had been critical pillars of support in delivering the administration’s aviation reform agenda.The Minister noted that the progress being witnessed across the sector was the result of the dedication of professionals working behind the scenes, particularly the CEOs, Directors and personnel who continue to implement government policies and programmes.The Times Heroes Award and the Daily Times centenary celebration therefore provided not only an occasion to honour Nigeria’s past but also a platform to celebrate those shaping the nation’s future — a fitting recognition of the transformation underway in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
