Help Nigerian Airlines Go Through Teething Pains, Says Ogun Deputy Governor
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Mrs. Salako Oyedele says just as the journey of individual life involves undergoing some teething stages of pains before success, indigenous airlines in Nigeria should be supported by Nigerians to undergo their teething pains before attaining the desired success.
Speaking yesterday at the launch of the book, PATHWAYS, PILGRIMAGE & DESTINY, a biography of Alhaji Muneer Bankole, Oyedele noted that mega carriers like British Airways were not what they are today some years ago but that “it took time and patronage for them to grow.”
She commended the life of Alhaji Bankole, who she said, grew up together with her husband, Alhaji Bode Oyedele and the author, stating that “one thing is to have a story. Another thing is to write it.”
Author of the book, Prof. Mobolanle Sotunsa said: “When Alhaji Muneer Bankole entrusted me with the responsibility of documenting his life, I knew I was undertaking an important assignment. I did not however, anticipate that the journey would span four years of painstaking research, interviews, verification of facts, examination of records and countless hours of conversations. Those four years became, for me, a pilgrimage of discovery.”
“As an author, my responsibility was not to write an eulogy but to present a truthful account of a remarkable life. My task was to ensure that future generations would encounter not mythology, but authenticity; not exaggeration, but evidence; not mere celebration, but enduring lessons.”
Sotunsa further said: “Behind the accomplished aviation executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist is a man whose life has been profoundly shaped by faith” and “his commitment to pilgrimage services was never simply a commercial venture. He saw it as a divine assignment—an amanah, a sacred trust—which, by Allah’s grace, eventually blossomed into the establishment of Med-View Airlines. Whether one shares his faith tradition or not, one cannot fail to admire the sincerity of that conviction and the discipline with which he pursued it.”
She added that “the title of this biography is itself deeply symbolic. Pathways remind us that every meaningful life is a journey. Pilgrimage speaks not only of physical travel but of spiritual purpose, discipline and transformation. Destiny reminds us that while our journeys require effort, they ultimately unfold under the sovereign will of Almighty God” and that “this biography therefore is more than the story of destinations reached. It is an account of the pathways travelled, the pilgrimages undertaken, the challenges overcome and the grace that sustained the journey.”
“Books outlive ceremonies. They outlive birthdays. They outlive even those who write them. They become companions of history and teachers of generations yet unborn.” “If this biography inspires even one young Nigerian to believe that character is greater than wealth, purpose greater than position, integrity greater than influence, and service greater than self, then the four years devoted to writing it will have been richly rewarded.”
Reviewer of the book, Prof. Anthony Kila said the book will serve for business and history and stands as a biography that illuminates like light. He said the book talks about the man’s journey and his religion, faith and character mixed together, while ignoring those that negatively influenced his life.
“He does not see success as accumulation of wealth. He treats success as divine opportunity to give, to employ people and to help community,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr. Allen Onyema applauded Bankole’s impact on the aviation industry. He also commended organizations like Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) for the consistent support it has provided to local airlines in Nigeria. He noted that Nigerian airlines are going through existential threat based on economic constraints and ought to be encouraged, stating that the airlines would not succumb to the picketing threats that aviation unions recently issued.
President of ASRTI, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (Rtd) commended the exemplary life of Alhaji Bankole and related how he has impacted various segments and organizations in the industry at one point or the other, including ASRTI.
In his remarks, Alhaji Bankole gave thanks to God for his life and counseled that success in life requires focus and bracing up to the challenge of temptations on the path to success.
Born on the 27th of February, 1956, Alhaji Muneer Alade Adebowale Bankole’s story is one of hard work, perseverance and excellence. His professional career began with the former Nigeria Airways Limited, where he rose through several strategic positions, from Commercial Cadet to District Manager in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Over more than two decades, he acquired exceptional expertise in airline operations, aviation marketing and international management.
With vision and courage, he ventured into entrepreneurship and founded Med-View, which began as a travel and pilgrimage organization before evolving into one of Nigeria’s notable indigenous airlines, operating domestic, regional and international services. Through this enterprise, he contributed significantly to the nation’s aviation industry while creating employment and expanding travel opportunities for Nigerians.
Alhaji Bankole is also widely recognized as a pioneer in pilgrimage services. For decades, he has helped make the Hajj and Umrah experience more organized, efficient and dignified for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims, earning widespread respect within both the aviation industry and faith communities.
Beyond aviation, his influence is reflected in the many lives he has touched. As an employer, mentor, philanthropist and nation builder, he has consistently invested in people and inspired excellence. Those who know him best describe him as a man of humility, integrity, generosity, quiet strength and unwavering faith.
His commitment to lifelong learning is equally remarkable. He holds qualifications in Business Studies, Law and Business Administration, and is a Fellow and member of several distinguished professional bodies within the aviation, transport and business sectors.
Yet, beyond the impressive credentials stands an even greater legacy—the man whose faith sustained his vision, whose perseverance overcame adversity, whose optimism transformed challenges into opportunities, and whose greatest investment has always been in people.
It is therefore fitting that his remarkable journey is now preserved in the biography, Pathways, Pilgrimage and Destiny. This book captures the essence of a life devoted to purposeful leadership, dedicated service and unwavering commitment to humanity. It will undoubtedly inspire entrepreneurs, professionals, public servants and future generations to dream boldly, work diligently and serve selflessly.
When the history of indigenous aviation and pilgrimage development in Nigeria is written, the name Alhaji Muneer Alade Adebowale Bankole will occupy a place of honour among those who transformed vision into enterprise, enterprise into national value, and success into lasting service.
Also present at the book launch was Alhaja Rafiat Bankole-Savage, Alhaji Bankole’s wife who had that day as her birthday. Others were Mr. Fatai Owoseni, former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Oba Abdulazeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju, the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Oluforarin Olukayode Ogusanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Prof. Hamidu Sanni, former Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, amongst others.
