BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Soothing news came the way of Nigeria on Thursday with the re-election of Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi as Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
The announcement was made during the 35th Ordinary Plenary Session held in Brazzaville, Congo, where Ms. Adeyemi secured a decisive victory, garnering 22 votes against seven.
Her re-election not only highlights her exceptional leadership but also accentuates the confidence of AFCAC member states in her ability to drive the commission’s vision for a unified, robust and globally competitive African aviation industry.
Ms. Adeyemi’s re-election, according to regional African enthusiasts, is a powerful endorsement of her accomplishments during her first term.
Under her leadership, AFCAC has made significant strides in advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), enhancing aviation safety and security and promoting greater connectivity across the continent.
Her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders and align efforts toward common goals has earned her widespread respect and admiration within the aviation community.
As a key advocate of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Ms. Adeyemi has worked tirelessly to position aviation as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic growth and integration.
By facilitating seamless air travel within the continent, she has helped unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, all while ensuring that African aviation aligns with global standards.
Her re-election comes at an important moment for the sector, as it continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her triumph is not just a personal achievement; it is a proud moment for Nigeria.
Her re-election reinforces the country’s influence in shaping the narrative of African aviation and its commitment to regional progress.
Key to the remarkable success was the strategic leadership of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who attended the ongoing conference in Brazzaville, Congo.
The Minister orchestrated targeted diplomatic engagements with African Union member states, building strong alliances and securing crucial support for Ms. Adeyemi’s candidacy.
His efforts not only underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in African aviation but also highlighted the nation’s commitment to shaping a transformative future for the industry.
“This is not just a win for Nigeria but for the entire African aviation industry.
“Ms. Adeyemi’s outstanding leadership and innovative vision have positioned AFCAC to deliver transformative progress across the continent. Nigeria remains committed to driving the goals of AfCAC and ensuring the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)”, Keyamo said.
To guarantee transparency and fairness, an Election Commission was constituted in strict adherence to AFCAC’s Rules of Procedure for Plenary Meetings.
This commission, composed of representatives from various African Union regions, ensured a meticulous and credible election process.
Nigeria, under the strategic leadership of Minister Festus Keyamo, played a crucial role within the West African bloc, successfully rallying extensive continental support for Ms. Adeyemi’s candidacy.
As the specialized agency of the African Union, AFCAC serves as the regulatory authority for civil aviation across Africa and the implementing body for the Yamassoukro Decision (YD).
Its core mandate includes advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an ambitious initiative uniting 37 member states to boost Africa’s aviation competitiveness, connectivity, and economic integration.
