Next Generation Aviation Leaders: NAHF to Honour 16 Industry Icons at 2nd Induction Event

• MMA2 partners conveners, to showcase inductees at terminal
• BASL, FAAN, NAMA, NCAA, Aero, United Nigeria Airlines, Sabre, SAHCO, SIFAX, NCAT back project

The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is set to host its 2nd Induction Ceremony on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Golfview Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, bringing together the nation’s top aviation leaders to celebrate excellence, discipline, and enduring legacy in the sector.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, aviation agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Aero Contractors, United Nigeria Airlines, Sabre, SIFAX, and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCo) Plc have given their support to the project.

The prestigious event has officially received the endorsement of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), who will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

Former Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Chairman of OmniBlu Aviation Limited, Akin Olateru, will chair the ceremony.

Serving as the Royal Father of the Day is His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyin, Ekiti State, and former Director of Administration at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Following a rigorous evaluation process by an independent panel of judges across the sector, 16 distinguished Nigerians will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining a select league of industry trailblazers honoured for their outstanding contributions and leadership.

In a major boost for industry history, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has partnered with NAHF to provide a permanent montage display at the terminal.

Featuring the profiles and photographs of all inductees, the display aims to inspire millions of travellers passing through one of Nigeria’s busiest gateways.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Wole Shadare, Co-Convener of NAHF and aviation journalist, emphasised the broader mission behind the initiative.

“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. This second induction is epoch-making because it tells every young person in aviation today that diligence, discipline, and dedication still matter. We are proud that the Minister, regulators, and industry leaders are standing with us on this.”

Echoing his views, Co-Convener Mr Gboyega Adeoye highlighted the strategic importance of this year’s focus.

“Aviation is the gateway to national development, and those who have given their best to this sector deserve to be honoured while they are alive. This year’s theme is deliberate. We must begin to prepare young Nigerians to take over and compete globally. The partnership with MMA2 ensures that their stories will continue to inspire millions of passengers yearly.”

Reflecting on the milestone, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye noted, “As a former insider in the aviation sector and now a traditional ruler, I see aviation as a unifier of our nation. To be associated with this noble cause is a great honour. My prayer is that this Hall of Fame will instil the virtues of hard work and patriotism in our youths, and that those being honoured will continue to be role models.”

This year’s ceremony and panel discussion will centre on the theme: “THE NEXT GENERATION OF AVIATION LEADERS: TALENT, TECHNOLOGY, AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS.”

The high-profile gathering will feature airline CEOs, heads of aviation agencies, corporate executives, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Wole Shadare