BY: OLAPEJU OLUBI
Aviation Professionals will this Thursday converge at the 27th edition of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) seminar, to brain storm on issues bordering the industry.
The conference which holds at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja Lagos titled, ‘Aviation Industry: Changing Times, Changing Strategies, is expected to attract key stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry who would dissect the country’s aviation industry, its present status, inhibiting factors and the way forward.
A statement signed by Chinedu Eze and Albinus Chiedu, Chairman and Secretary, Conference Committee, respectively, also stated that the theme was informed by the emerging changes in the approach to aviation business as regards technology, airline management and operations, financing and other aspects of the aviation industry.
Emmanuel Merobole, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation is the Guest of Honour, while Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General Civil Aviation (DGCA) would present the keynote address.
Akin Olateru, the Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) as the lead speaker would present an all-inclusive paper on ‘Funding Manpower Development In Nigeria’s Aviation Industry In The 21st Century,’ while Roland Iyayi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), TopBrass Aviation would deliver an all-interactive paper on ‘Enhancing Airlines Profitability In Africa.’
A larger part of the aviation stakeholders who confirmed participation physically and virtually, are Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman, SIFAX Group; Mansur Matazu, the Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET); Tayib Odunowo, Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Kabir Muhammed, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Capt. Alkali Madibbo, the Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria have all confirmed their participation, among others.
The conference according to the statement would also feature a panel session headed by top-notch professionals who would speak on the theme, topics and presentations by stakeholders in the sector.
Other participants are; Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman, SIFAX Group; Professor Mansur Matazu, the Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET); Tayib Odunowo, Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Mr. Kabir Muhammed, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Captain Alkali Madibbo, the Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
Others are; “Mr. Bernard Bankole, the Group Managing Director, Finchglow Travels; Dr. Gabriel Olowo, immediate past President, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI); Mr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman, Air Peace Airlines; Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman United Nigeria Airlines and Tosan Duncan, Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), among others.
The conference would also feature a panel session headed by top-notch professionals who would speak on the theme, topics and presentations by stakeholders in the sector.
The statement added: “Also, over 250 industry professionals, cutting across the aviation sector, security agencies, international and domestic airlines operating in Nigeria, abroad, aviation support services, travel trade sellers and buyers in the country’s aviation industry are expected to participate in the conference.”
LAAC is Nigeria’s aviation media umbrella body, saddled with the responsibility of ensuring effective media coverage and practice in the aviation industry.
The LAAC annual conference has over the years made an unquantifiable impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector by throwing up policy, management and operational issues for public discussion.
This has resulted in tremendously significant evidential changes in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Aviation and allied business organisations have equally taken advantage of sponsorship opportunities presented by this event to sell their products and services. This 2023 edition presents yet another opportunity.
Also, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would be given the award as the ‘Public Affairs Manager 2022, while Nimet would be honoured as the ‘Service Provider of the Year 2022.
