…Keyamo, Olateru, Oba Ajakaye to grace event
The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) says it has concluded arrangements to induct 16 Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to the aviation industry at its second edition on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Golfview Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
This year’s event, which is the 2nd edition has the theme and panel discussion, ‘The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology, and Global Competitiveness, according to the Convener promises to celebrate excellence, discipline, and legacy in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The ceremony has received the endorsement of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Chairing the event is pioneer Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Chairman, OmniBlu Aviation Limited, Akin Olateru and the Royal Father of the Day is His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyin, Ekiti State, who was Director of Administration, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
NAHF will induct no fewer than 16 distinguished Nigerians into the Hall of Fame.
The number was arrived at following a rigorous selection process by an independent panel of judges drawn from diverse sectors of the aviation industry.
The inductees were carefully chosen for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and service to the growth of Nigerian aviation, will join the league of industry trailblazers whose names are already immortalised in the Hall of Fame.
In a landmark partnership, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), will provide a dedicated space for a permanent montage display featuring photographs and profiles of all Hall of Fame inductees.
The initiative is designed to inspire travelers and the next generation of aviation professionals while preserving the history of the industry at one of Nigeria’s busiest gateways.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Co-Convener of NAHF and veteran aviation journalist, Mr. Wole Shadare, said, “The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame was conceived to do more than give awards. It is about preserving our history, celebrating those who built this industry with their sweat and integrity, and setting a standard for those coming behind. This second induction is epoch-making because it tells every young person in aviation today that diligence, discipline, and dedication still matter. We are proud that the Minister, regulators, and industry leaders are standing with us on this.”
Also speaking, the Co-Convener, Mr. Gboyega Adeoye, said
“Aviation is the gateway to national development, and those who have given their best to this sector deserve to be honoured while they are alive. This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology, and Global Competitiveness,’ is deliberate. We must begin to prepare young Nigerians to take over and compete globally. The partnership with MMA2 to display the inductees’ montage ensures that their stories will continue to inspire millions of passengers who pass through that terminal yearly.”
On his part, the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye, Oluyin of Iyin, who also served FAAN meritoriously, said, “As a former insider in the aviation sector and now a traditional ruler, I see aviation as a unifier of our nation. To be associated with this noble cause is a great honour. My prayer is that this Hall of Fame will instill the virtues of hard work and patriotism in our youths, and that those being honoured will continue to be role models. The industry needs more discipline and more dedication, and this platform is providing it.
The event will feature goodwill messages, citation of honourees, unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaque, and a panel session focused on how Nigeria can develop talent and leverage technology to compete globally.
Dignitaries expected include CEOs of airlines, heads of aviation agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
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