Even at age 92, the works of the Nigeria’s foremost aircraft maintenance Engineer, Elder Engr. (Dr.) Sunday Kayode Solomon Olubadewo, have continued to impact the industry as aviation journalists on Thursday recognised him as one of the Champions of Aviation Development.
Olubadewo was recognised with a Distinguished Honourary Award as ‘Nigeria’s Foremost Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’ at the 29th edition of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) annual conference held at the Providence Hotel, Lagos on the 7th of August, 2025.
The award was presented to the awardee’s son, Capt. David Olubadewo by Tourism expert and the Founder of Akwaaba African travel market, Amb. Ikechi Uko at the conference.
According to Uko, the award was bestowed on Elder Olubadewo for his exploits and positive contributions to the industry.
Elder Olubadewo, a notable pioneer in Nigeria’s aviation sector, was born on September 17, 1933 in Oro Ago, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.
His long career, spanning over half a century, demonstrates his lasting influence on aircraft maintenance and aviation progress in Nigeria and West Africa.
He trained both in Nigeria and overseas
and his career progression reflects his journey from a foundational role to a leader of Industry.
Elder Olubadewo popularly addressed as Elder SKS Olubadewo is widely recognised for breaking new grounds and establishing foundational services within the industry.
He distinguished himself early in his career as one of Nigeria’s first licensed aircraft engineers. Notably, from 1967 to 1970, he held a key technical role without an expatriate counterpart under the ICAO/UNDP programme, a significant achievement for a Nigerian engineer at the time.
He was among the first engineers to operate on a freelance basis, a venture that led to the establishment of General & Aviation Services (GAS), which provided essential maintenance and ground support to numerous organisations, including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Training Centre in Zaria, now the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).
As a major contributor to the early years of aviation in Nigeria, Elder Olubadewo pioneered one of the first private airlines in the country and as he watched the industry grow, he noted the need for consumables to aid the development of the industry.
Hence, he founded a number of aviation companies which are still under his chairmanship even at age 92.
He pioneered one of the private airline operations in Nigeria with the founding of GAS Airline Limited and expanded his reach internationally by incorporating GAS Airline Express and GAS air Cargo in the United Kingdom.
Through his leadership, he founded and directed several influential companies that continue to support the sector, including Airline Management Support Limited, Aerospeed Oil Limited, and Starburst Aviation UK Limited.
Today, many operational airlines in West and Central Africa rely on the critical supply chain for aviation consumables established by the companies under his chairmanship.
At 92, Elder SKS Olubadewo remains a revered figure in the aviation industry. His lifelong dedication has not only shaped the industry but continues to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond.
The conference with the theme: “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects”, chaired by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Gbenga Alade, also had other champions in the industry honoured with various awards.
They include the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren; current Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo; and the Managing Director Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar.
The Chairman/CEO Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema; Chairman Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin; Chairman CITA Energies, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, amongst others were also recipients of awards at the all important industry conference.
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