The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has won four prestigious awards in one month, the fourth one being an award as ‘Minister of the Year 2024’ by the Board of Editors of one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, Daily Independent.
Recognised for his exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation sector, this remarkable achievement highlighted his relentless dedication to transforming the aviation landscape and his unyielding commitment to progress.
The Minister was honoured with the prestigious award at a ceremony held at the renowned Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, attended by captains of industry, prominent personalities, and respected figures from various sectors on Saturday March 15, 2025.
The event underscored the immense recognition and admiration the Minister has garnered from all quarters, including from some of the nation’s most stringent opinion leaders and society critics.
What makes this particular award even more notable is the fact that it is the second honour the aviation sector has received in one night as rofessor Charles Anosike, the Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), was also recognised as the Aviation Sector CEO of the Year.
Although the Minister was unavoidably absent from the event due to pressing commitments, his influence was well represented by his key lieutenants, including Anosike; Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB); and Dr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Other distinguished attendees included Dr. Mrs. Anastasia Gbem, Director of Human Resources at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Rita Egbadon, Director of Legal Services at NCAA; Mrs. Terese Iheanachor, Director of Safety, Electronics, and Engineering Services; Abimbola Ladipo Esq, Director of Human Resources and Administration; and Mrs. Funke Adebayo Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NiMET, among others.
The Minister’s recent series of awards from reputable critics and industry experts solidify the fact that he is on the right track, with his vision for aviation transformation gaining increasing momentum.