The book; Nigeria’s Aviation: Unsung Heroes and Heroines is a record of aviation development from the landing of the first flight in Nigeria, to the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways.
It also documents some great men and women who grew from the national carrier to become patriots of aviation development in Nigeria.
What is now a fledgling industry had rocky roads to tread, is on the way to stability.Some of these committed Nigerians faced the unsavoury situation headlong, gave in their vest in ardent commitment to bequeath the best under a bad situation.
But these patriots are unsung. Subsequent government appear to place little premium on entrenching a reward system that recognizes and honour credible performance that will encourage mentorship towards industry and national growth.
Despite the array logjam, though Nigeria is yet to be at her Eldorado, compared to current global aviation destination, but no doubt, the country has put up several laudable marks and showings that have earned her distinctions and pride.
Nigeria is sure on the path to redemption with assured steps towards meeting all standards for perfection.
The book; Nigeria’s Aviation: Unsung Heroes and Heroines, authored by two aviation journalists; Wole Shadare and Gboyega Adeoye, is to honour these distinguished men and women, who stuck out their necks against the odds.
It is a document of profiles of some of the notable Nigerians who have done aviation and the nation proud.
The authors, Wole and Gboyega also take a bold step to entrench the culture of reward for exemplary service in the Nigeria Aviation sector by introducing the Annual Aviation Hall of Fame into the sector.In this maiden edition,:
1. Captain Bob Hayes – First Nigerian Pilot
2. Captain Dele Ore – Learned Cockpit Commandant
3. Dr Olusegun Harold Demuren – Brilliant, incorruptible astute aeronautical engineer
4. Captain Chinyere Kalu – First Nigerian female Pilot
5. Captain Jerry Agbeyegbe – Slain Aviation Safety Icon
6. Dr Bernard Olumuyiwa Aliu – First Nigerian ICAO President and
7. Dr Mrs Anastasia Gbem – First and only Nigeria Airspace Lawyer
…are hereby inducted into the Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame as pioneer members in the annual event.
According to the two authors, “We commend the zeal, passion and courage of these men and women of great honour, who maintain the path of discipline, diligence and perseverance, in the face of threat, humiliation and victimisation, for the lifting of the Nigeria’s aviation sector”. “Please look out for more in our subsequent editions”.