Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Receives 4th Award In One Month As NiMET’s DG Gets
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has once again been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation sector, receiving his fourth award in just one month. This remarkable achievement highlights his relentless dedication to transforming the aviation landscape and his unyielding commitment to progress.
The Minister was honoured with the prestigious Minister of the Year 2024 award by the Board of Editors of one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, Daily Independent. The award ceremony, held at the renowned Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, was a star-studded affair, attended by captains of industry, prominent personalities, and respected figures from various sectors. The event underscored the immense recognition and admiration the Minister has garnered from all quarters, including from some of the nation’s most stringent opinion leaders and society critics.
What makes this particular award even more notable is the fact that it is the second honour the aviation sector has received in one night.
Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), was also recognized as the Aviation Sector CEO of the Year. This dual recognition underscores the cohesive, forward-thinking leadership that the Minister and his team are bringing to the aviation and aerospace sector.
In Prof. Anosike’s citation read by the organizers, Prof Anosike was honoured for his proactive efforts within a short time in transforming NiMet. The citation also mentioned the agency’s valued contribution to various socio-economic sectors of the country through partnerships with local and international institutions.
The citation said, among other things, “We particularly note your agency’s issuance of early warnings aimed at preventing the loss of property, including farmlands, and lives, especially to floods across the country due to climate change, which is a threat multiplier.”
Prof. Anosike dedicated the award to the hardworking staff and management of NiMet, and thanked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) for his supportive leadership.
Although the Minister was unavoidably absent from the event due to pressing commitments, his influence was well represented by his key lieutenants, including Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMET (https://nimet.gov.ng); Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB); and Dr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), represented by Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services.
Other distinguished attendees included Dr. Mrs. Anastasia Gbem, Director of Human Resources at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Rita Egbadon, Director of Legal Services at NCAA; Mrs. Terese Iheanachor, Director of Safety, Electronics, and Engineering Services; Abimbola Ladipo Esq, Director of Human Resources and Administration; and Mrs. Funke Adebayo Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NiMET, among others.
This latest recognition serves as a testament to the tremendous strides the Minister has made in modernizing Nigeria’s aviation sector. Despite the accolades, it is clear that he and his team remain focused on the work ahead, with many more milestones expected in the future.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said in a statement that “the Minister’s recent series of awards from reputable critics and industry experts solidify the fact that he is on the right track, with his vision for aviation transformation gaining increasing momentum. The industry looks forward to what lies ahead as the Minister continues to lead with unmatched dedication, always with the goal of ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation sector reaches even greater heights.”
