The award recognises the Aviation Minister’s leadership and contributions to institutional development, infrastructure growth and policy reforms in Nigeria’s aviation industry
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has been named Man of the Year 2026 by Women in Aviation International (WAI), Nigeria Chapter, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The award was presented at the grand finale of the 2026 Women in Aviation Conference held on Thursday, November 5, at the Welcome Centre Hotel, International Airport Road, Lagos.
Keyamo, who was the special guest and Father of the Day at the event, was represented by his Special Adviser on Service Delivery, Janet Oputa, who received the award on his behalf.
The award was presented by the President of Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi.
The recognition highlights the Minister’s efforts to reposition the aviation sector through policy reforms, infrastructure development, improved service delivery, institutional strengthening and initiatives aimed at building a more competitive and sustainable industry.
The conference, which commenced on Friday, October 30, brought together women aviation professionals from all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria to celebrate their achievements, exchange experiences and discuss strategies for advancing women’s participation and leadership in the sector.
One of the major highlights was a high-level panel discussion titled, “Clear for Takeoff: Women in Leadership and Engaging the Next Generation of Women in Aviation & Aerospace”.
The session examined the need for greater female representation in leadership, professional development, mentorship and deliberate efforts to encourage young women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
The panel featured prominent industry professionals, including Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO); Captain Ibironke Rotimi-Olajide, the first female captain to fly the Embraer 195-E2 in Africa; Mrs. Aduka Atiba, Executive Director of Landover Company Limited and Overland Airways Limited; and Barrister Mary Tufano’Eche, Director of Legal Services, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was represented by Mrs. Christopher N. Wongmicit, General Manager, Research and Development.
Discussions centred on overcoming professional barriers, creating inclusive leadership structures, expanding opportunities for women in technical and executive positions, and establishing sustainable mentorship programmes to prepare younger professionals for future leadership roles.
The conference also provided an opportunity for representatives of the various Women in Aviation zones to present their activities, achievements and contributions towards advancing the organisation’s objectives and promoting female participation across the industry.
The conferment of the Man of the Year award on Keyamo underscores the importance of supportive leadership and progressive policies in creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in aviation and aerospace.
Women in Aviation International promotes the advancement of women in the industry through advocacy, professional networking, mentorship, education and leadership development.
The 2026 conference ended with renewed calls for stronger stakeholder collaboration, increased investment in the next generation of aviation professionals and sustained commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative and globally competitive Nigerian aviation industry.