BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In what many term serial recognition for hard work, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has bagged four awards in one month.
The latest feather to his cap came at the weekend when Daily Independent bestowed on him the 2024 Minister of the Year Award in a colourful ceremony held at the Eko Hotels in Lagos.
Keyamo’s Spokesman, Tunde Moshood, said that the latest honour accentuates his exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This remarkable achievement highlights his relentless dedication to transforming the aviation landscape and his unyielding commitment to progress”, he said.
The award ceremony was a star-studded event, attended by captains of industry, prominent personalities, and respected figures from various sectors.
The event underscored the immense highlighted 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.
Professor 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.
“Although the Minister was unavoidably absent from the event due to pressing commitments, his influence was well represented by his key lieutenants, including Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMET; Captain 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.
“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”, Moshood stated.
