…As 18 Iconic Nigerians are honoured
…Induction not merely an award but an eternal roll call of honour–Conveners
The Chairman of OmniBlue Aviation Limited & former Director General of the Nigerian Investigation Safety Bureau(NSIB), Engr. Akin Olateru, says the achievements of the 18 personalities inducted into the Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame(NAHF) will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
He said this while presenting his opening remarks at the second Induction Ceremony and Unveiling of Inductees’ Montage by NAHF in Lagos, yesterday.
Olateru, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said that the essence of the day’s gathering was not only to celebrate but to also recognise and reflect on the inductees outstanding contributions..
In his words, “We have gathered not merely to honour individuals, but to celebrate the vision, courage, dedication and excellence that have shaped the aviation industry and contributed to its growth and development.
“Aviation is much more than aircraft taking off and landing. Behind every safe flight is the commitment of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, airport professionals, regulators, entrepreneurs, technicians and countless others whose expertise and sacrifice keep the industry moving.
“The individuals we honour today have distinguished themselves through remarkable contributions to this noble profession. Their achievements have left footprints that will continue to guide and inspire generations yet unborn,” he said
He pointed out that an induction into the Aviation Hall of Fame is not just an award but a statement that excellence matters, service matters, integrity matters, and legacy matters.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the pioneers, who according to him laid the foundation upon which today’s aviation industry stands.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude for their vision and perseverance,” Olateru said.
He said that this ceremony also presents an opportunity to challenge the next generation, praying that the stories of those we honour today remind young aviation professionals that great achievements are built through knowledge, discipline, innovation, resilience and an unwavering commitment to safety and service..
He hinted that the aviation industry is evolving rapidly and that new technologies, changing passenger expectations, sustainability concerns and emerging opportunities are transforming the way air transportation is viewed
He added that in this changing environment, the values represented by inductees, professionalism, leadership, innovation and service—remain as important as ever.
He encouraged Nigerians to celebrate these distinguished men and women, learn from their journeys, and commit ourselves to building an aviation industry that is safer, stronger, more innovative and more globally competitive.
“To our inductees, I say congratulations. Your achievements have earned you this honour, and your legacies will continue to inspire the aviation community.
He also thanked guests, partners and sponsors for being part of this important occasion and for supporting the recognition of excellence within the industry.
Earlier, the Co- Convener of NAHF, Wole Shadare in his opening remarks /welcome address acknowledged the outstanding contributions inducted Nigerians .
He said the 18 inductees are the very pillars, trailblasers, and visionaries of Nigeria’s aviation sector, which reminds us of a fundamental truth that nation that fails to document, honour, and celebrate its pioneers risks losing the compass that guides its future.
He disclosed that when the NAHF initiative was launched, the vision was clear; create a permanent, dignified, and institutionalised platform where exceptional leadership, selfless service, and transformative contributions to Nigerian civil aviation are recorded for posterity and that the day’s gathering with the theme, “The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology, and Global Competitiveness,” reaffirms that solemn commitment.
He stated that aviation is not just another transport sector but a high-precision, capital-intensive, and highly demanding ecosystem driven by human ingenuity in where every safe landing, modern navigational advancement, airport concession model, and policy breakthrough debate today rests upon the foundation laid by giants who came before us.
Shadare hinted that the NAHF is honouring 18 iconic Nigerians who embody the very zenith of aviation excellence following a rigorous selection process conducted by independent panel of judges.
This induction, he pointed out is not merely an award but an eternal roll call of honour.
“Your names, achievements, and legacies are forever enshrined in the history of Nigerian aerospace,” he said.
He emphasised on the need to preserve history for the next generation of aviation professionals,as according to him the gap is starkly visible .
According to him, “If our younger generation of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation managers do not know who built the industry they inherit, they cannot fully grasp why standards must be preserved at all costs.”
This, the Co- Convener, said is why NAHF is expanding beyond an annual gathering.
“Through our landmark partnership with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), we are establishing a permanent visual montage display featuring the photographs and profiles of all our Hall of Fame inductees, ” he said.
He noted that with this travellers, aviation students, and international visitors passing through one of our busiest gateways will directly encounter the rich legacy of Nigerian aviation.
Some of the inductees are : the late Capt.Jerry Agbeyegbe, Ex. NCAA DG, Dr Harold Demuren, Capt. Delete Ore among others.
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