…Keyamo, Olateru, Oluyin of Iyin to grace September 4 ceremony as MMA2 backs permanent industry heritage display
16 distinguished Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry are set to be inducted into the Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) at its second induction ceremony scheduled for September 4, 2026, in Lagos.
The ceremony, billed to hold at Golfview Hotel, Ikeja, will bring together leading figures in the aviation industry, including policymakers, regulators, airline executives, industry professionals, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is expected to attend the event as Special Guest of Honour, while Akin Olateru, pioneer Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Chairman of OmniBlu Aviation Limited, will chair the occasion.
The Royal Father of the Day is His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyin, Ekiti State, who previously served in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The 16 inductees were selected following a rigorous process by an independent panel of judges drawn from different segments of the aviation industry.
According to the organisers, the honourees were chosen for their exceptional contributions, leadership, professionalism and service to the growth of Nigerian aviation.
The second edition of the Hall of Fame induction will also feature a landmark partnership with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).
Under the partnership, BASL will provide space at MMA2 for a permanent montage displaying the photographs and profiles of all inductees into the Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame.
The organisers said the initiative would help preserve the history of Nigeria’s aviation industry while exposing millions of travellers and young aviation enthusiasts passing through the terminal to the contributions of industry pioneers.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Co-Convener of NAHF and veteran aviation journalist, Wole Shadare, said the initiative was established to go beyond conventional awards by preserving the history and legacy of those who contributed to the development of the sector.
“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”, Shadare said.
He described the second induction as “epoch-making”, saying it would reinforce the message that diligence, discipline and dedication remained essential to building successful careers in aviation.
Also speaking, Co-Convener of NAHF, Gboyega Adeoye, said the initiative was designed to celebrate deserving industry stakeholders while inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.
Adeoye said the theme of this year’s event, “The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology, and Global Competitiveness”, was deliberately chosen to draw attention to the need to prepare young Nigerians for leadership roles in a rapidly changing global aviation environment.
He said the partnership with MMA2 would ensure that the stories and achievements of the inductees remain visible to a wider audience.
The Royal Father of the Day, Oba Ajakaye, said his experience in the aviation sector and traditional institution had reinforced his belief in the industry’s capacity to unite Nigerians and contribute to national development.
He expressed hope that the Hall of Fame would promote hard work, discipline and patriotism among young Nigerians while encouraging the honourees to continue serving as role models.
The event will feature goodwill messages, presentation of citations to the inductees, unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaque and a panel discussion on developing aviation talent and harnessing technology to improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame is an independent, non-partisan initiative established by veteran travel journalists to recognise and immortalise Nigerians who have made exemplary contributions to the aviation industry.
The initiative seeks to document the history of Nigerian aviation, promote professionalism and inspire the next generation of aviation leaders.