By Cosmas Okereafor
It was a gathering of who is who in the aviation industry, at the event of Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), held on the 4th September, 2026, at Gulfview Hotel, ikeja, lagos.It marked the second induction ceremony and the unveiling of the Montage of Honorees of those whose contributions many would say paved the way for what both the players, and the consumers of aviation services are enjoying today in the industry. The main ceremony begun at the Bi- Courtney facility, MM2, where the montage was unveiled for the general public, and thereafter proceeded to the Gulfview Hotels, where the conference proper; induction of honorees and awards presentation to dostinguished Nigerian aviation professionals, whose contributions are celebrated till date took place. There were also posthumous awards presented to the families of those whose loved ones are no more with us.In his welcome address, the co- convener of the landmark event, Mr Wole Shadare, told the august audience that, the idea behind this noble initiative was to institutionalize and create a dignified platform where exceptional leadership, selfless service, and transformative contributions to Nigerian civil aviation are recorded for posterity, and for generations to come.Shadare also remarked that, the honorees purely comprised the main pillars, trailblazers and those that saw tomorrow of Nigeria’s aviation sector which he said made it imperative for his team to embark on this onerous assignment that is gradually etching its imprint in the industry.Having spent some reasonable number of years, reporting the industry, he canvassed that, the authorities should ensure structured historical preservation and documentation of activities going on, in the industry are adequately preserved for the common good.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus keyamo (SAN), who was represented by the Managing Director/ CEO, Federal Airport of Nigeria ( FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, thanked the duo of Mr. Wole Shadare and Gboyega Adeoye for their thoughtfulness in bringing alive the memories of those who toiled day, and night during and after their own times to ensure that, the aviation industry indeed survives.”Let me first commend the founders and organizers of this important initiative for creating a platform that does something our industry must never stop doing, and that is, remembering , celebrating and preserving the contributions of those who have helped build Nigeria aviation.”Aviation is not built by aircraft and airports alone. It is built by people. It is built by men and women whose vision, courage, professionalism, innovation and sacrifices have moved the industry forward, often under very difficult circumstances.”The permanent Hall of Fame Montage at MMA2 is especially significant. Everyday, thousands of Nigerians and visitors pass through our airports. To have the faces and stories of those who shaped our aviation history permanently displayed is a powerful way of saying to the next generation: you are standing on the shoulders of people who came before you”.The Minister however urged the aviation community and experts gathered at the event to recommit themselves to building a virile and prosperous aviation industry that future generations will boast of.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the event, Engr, Akin Olateru, Chairman, OmniBlu Limited, and Former Director General, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), on his part charged the promoters of this initiative not to relent on their oars, saying that, Nigeria aviation story must be told to encourage others coming behind.
He charged those present at the event to support this initiative which he sees as a win- win affair for the industry. The Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Farouk Umah was represented by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr, Musa Abdullahi, who read the MD’s goodwill message and expressed his boss support to the organizers of the program. According to him, the idea is eventful and deserves everyone support in the industry.The topic at discuss was: The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: “Talent, Technology, and Global Competiveness”, was largely expoused by the panelists. Summarily, it was agreed that, this generation based on the exponential development on tecnology upon which aviation thrives, that, the younger generation should be accommodated, and be given space to operate unhindered, if we must march on with the rest of the world.Among the honorees were: Mr, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Captain, Rufus Adetunji Orimoloye( posthumous), Engineer Babatunde Obadofin, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Barr, Wale Babalakin(SAN),. Captain Dapo Olumide, Capt, Benoni Briggs, Mr. Peter Igbinedion, Capt, Chinyere Kalu, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Senator Musa Adede, Dr, Gabriel Olowo, Engr, Akin Olateru, Capt, Bob Hayes, Capt, Dele Ore, Capt Jerry Agbeyegbe(post humous), Dr, Harold Denuren, Dr, (Mrs), Anastesia Gbem, Dr Bernard Olumuyiwa Aliu, Mrs Iyabo Sosina, Capt, Edward Boyo, Engr Ibraham Mamman, Mr.Edmund Abayomi Jones, Mr. Femi Adefope.Cream of aviation practioners drawn from private, public and government agencies graced the event. It was well attended on the day. Mr. Gboyega Adeoye, the co- convener who gave the vote of thanks, expressed happiness on the turn out of the event. He however promised that, the NAHF will not let its guard down on this journey of celebrating those who, in thick and thin, contributed in no small measure in making the aviation industry what it is.
