BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) has conferred its prestigious Gold Medal Award on the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, in recognition of the carrier’s strong safety culture, investment in capacity development and remarkable growth despite the harsh operating environment that has challenged the aviation industry in recent years.
The award was presented on Wednesday during the institute’s International Conference and Fellowship Conferment in Lagos by the National President of INAE, Dr. Ebitei Charles.
The institute said the honour is reserved for individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the practice of aeronautical engineering and the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Although Professor Okonkwo was unable to attend the ceremony, he was represented by the airline’s Director of Continuing Airworthiness, Alex Iheuwa, and the Chief Pilot, Capt. Joan Obasi-Ibraheem.
Presenting the award, Dr. Charles said the recognition reflected United Nigeria Airlines’ unwavering commitment to aviation safety, infrastructure development and the training of indigenous professionals.
According to him, the airline has distinguished itself through its strong safety culture, operational resilience and consistent investment in human capital since commencing operations.
He noted that Okonkwo successfully steered the airline through the difficult economic conditions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining high operational standards.
“The recognition reflects a shared commitment to advancing safety standards, modernising infrastructure and building indigenous engineering capacity,” Charles said.
He particularly praised the airline’s internship programme for aeronautical engineering students, describing it as a quiet but impactful initiative that is helping to groom the next generation of aviation engineers.
The INAE president also commended the airline’s rigorous safety culture and its contribution to promoting professionalism and resilience within Nigeria’s aviation industry despite difficult operating conditions.
According to the institute, such efforts are critical to building the specialised engineering capacity required to optimise aircraft performance, reduce maintenance costs and ensure the long-term sustainability of Nigerian airlines.
Reacting to the honour, Okonkwo described the award as a validation of the airline’s founding vision and commitment to operational excellence.
He said, “The recognition affirms everything we have worked to build – an operation rooted in safety and sustained investment in capacity.”
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for United Nigeria Airlines, which has continued to expand despite the challenges facing the aviation sector.
Speaking at the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft in Lagos in June, Okonkwo recalled one of the airline’s most difficult moments during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 23 pilots undergoing training in South Africa became stranded for nine months after international airspace was shut.
He revealed that although some of the pilots fell ill and none could return home, the airline continued paying their salaries and hotel accommodation throughout the period.
Reflecting on that experience, Okonkwo said the airline survived because it remained focused on its operations.
“We kept flying, and that was what kept us alive,” he said.
United Nigeria Airlines commenced commercial operations in February 2021 and has steadily expanded its operations, now serving more than 15 domestic and regional destinations, including Accra, Ghana.
The airline has also strengthened its international profile by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of the country’s national carrier.
In addition, the carrier has secured the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, joined the IATA Clearing House and gained full membership of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), achievements regarded as key milestones in its quest to become one of Africa’s leading airlines.
Other aviation stakeholders were also recognised at the event. Arik Air and Xejet received awards, while the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, were conferred with honorary fellowships of the Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
