The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been named Public Sector Icon of the Year by Vanguard Newspaper, one of Nigeria’s leading national dailies, in recognition of his transformative leadership and sweeping reforms in the aviation sector.
The letter conveying the award was presented on Thursday at the Minister’s office in Abuja by a delegation from Vanguard’s editorial team led by the Sunday Editor, Mr. Akinola Oluyemi. The formal award ceremony is scheduled to hold in Lagos in April.
Presenting the letter on behalf of the newspaper’s management, Oluyemi applauded the Minister’s performance, describing his achievements as remarkable, particularly given his non-specialist background in aviation. He likened Keyamo to a “golden fish with no hiding place”, noting that his accomplishments within a short period have significantly repositioned Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“We are here to present this letter of award to you because you have done so much in this sector, despite not being a career professional in the field.
“Achieving this level of transformation within such a short time is truly remarkable. Perhaps that fresh perspective is exactly why you have accomplished so much”, Oluyemi said.
He highlighted several milestones that influenced the newspaper’s decision, including the facilitation of expanded international routes for Nigerian carriers, most notably the Lagos-London route—the improvement of Nigeria’s ICAO compliance rating from 49 per cent to 75.5 per cent, and the strategic repositioning of the country as a safer and more credible aviation destination.
Other cited achievements include the renovation and reorganisation of the old terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, to create a more structured space for Nigerian international operations, alongside broader sector-wide reforms.
“This award is a recognition of these outstanding accomplishments. It is well deserved”, Oluyemi added.
In his response, Keyamo expressed deep appreciation to the management of Vanguard, describing the recognition as particularly meaningful given his long-standing relationship with the newspaper spanning over three decades.
“My joy knows no bounds. Vanguard is one of the trailblazers of responsible and top-notch journalism in Nigeria. Even as the media landscape evolved, Vanguard maintained its identity and credibility.
“While new trends swept some publications away, Vanguard sustained its standards and transitioned smoothly. That staying power deserves commendation”, he said.
The Minister emphasised that recognition from a reputable institution like Vanguard carries enduring value, distinguishing it from what he described as routine or frivolous awards.
“When you receive an award from Vanguard, it is not something for the moment alone. It is something you keep for generations. To be considered worthy by one of the leading voices in Nigerian journalism while serving in office is truly significant”, he noted.
Acknowledging the media’s constitutional role in holding public officials accountable, Keyamo commended the editorial team for closely monitoring developments in the aviation sector and encouraged continued constructive scrutiny.
“Sometimes, when you are in office, you do not realise how closely people are watching. The way you listed our achievements shows that we are being observed, and that reminds us never to relent. Continue to criticise us when necessary. If we go off track, beat us back in line”, he said.
He further pledged openness to feedback, affirming his respect for Vanguard’s editorial voice.
“I have identified with Vanguard for more than three decades. I will listen to your criticism and your advice. I will listen to everything you have to say about our office”, he assured.
The Minister formally accepted the honour and confirmed his attendance at the award ceremony in Lagos in April.
“I accept this award wholeheartedly. I will be there to celebrate with you. I will honour you as you have honoured me.
Thank you”, he concluded.