Introduction
August 2024 marks one year since President Bola Tinubu’s Ministers assumed office in their respective ministries. How have they fared one year after?
In the face of mounting public criticism of the Bola Tinubu’s administration, many public policy analysts, the media and Civil Society groups are united in the fact that only about 10 ministers are truly on top of their duties, vigorously and aptly advancing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, making positive, far-reaching accomplishments in their respective ministries.
In this report, The New Diplomat’s editorial team comprising Abiola Olawale, Hamilton Nwosa, Afolabi Samuel Odunayo and kawaekwune Jeffrey profile some of these outstanding Ministers. It’s in alphabetical order, starting with Aviation and Aerospace Development Ministry.
1. Festus Keyamo: Excellent Administrator, First-Class Lawyer and Team Player, Transforming the Aviation Sector.
By Abiola Olawale
Getting Started…
Given the daunting challenges confronting the Aviation sector prior to Keyamo’s assumption of duty as minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, any inexperienced and not fit for the role administrator would have failed woefully.
But not Olorogun Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, a prominent lawyer, social activist, columnist, writer, politician and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), whose groundbreaking accomplishments as the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, have been phenomenal.
There is no doubt that the ministry’s current state has witnessed significant improvement, standing in stark contrast to its condition a year ago, all thanks to the revolutionary transformation of Keyamo.
Keyamo, a prominent lawyer, advocate for civil rights, and writer who first gained national recognition for his exceptional work in the civil society before transitioning into politics, was appointed by President Tinubu in August last year like other 44 Ministers. He had previously served as the Minister for Labour and Employment(State) in the previous administration.
Strides and Accomplishments…
As an experienced administrator, exceptional and highly visionary technocrat, Keyamo resumed at the Aviation ministry well prepared: He had a pragmatic and goal-oriented blueprint which has served as a navigational compass.
Assuming office at a time when the Aviation Ministry was at its very low ebb with controversies surrounding the unsuccessful launch of a national carrier called, Nigeria Air, Keyamo aptly held Town hall meetings and stakeholders engagements to help chart a new way forward for the then troubled industry. Happily, many stakeholders attest to the minister’s accomplishments one year after.
Armed with a visionary roadmap, on August 31, 2023, the minister announced the suspension of the non-existing and controversial Air Nigeria which was initiated by his predecessor in 2018. This policy announcement which resonated very well with Nigerians brought a lot of relief and joy to the Sector.
Also, another critical subject matter that attracted his immediate attention was the Emirates Airline’s issue with Nigeria, which escalated into the UAE visa ban, suspension of flights to the country, among other issues. These issues were successfully resolved through strategic interventions and diplomatic finesse by the Minister. This was under the able leadership and charge of President Tinubu. As a result, Emirates is set to resume flights to Nigeria on October 1st, 2024, marking a significant victory in restoring international aviation relations.
At another level, Keyamo has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to supporting local airlines. He introduced policies that supported local airlines. As a result, Air Peace, a Nigerian-owned and promoted airline, launched its first flight from Lagos to London’s Gatwick Airport on March 30, 2024, breaking the monopoly of foreign airlines on the UK-Nigeria international route.
According to industry analysts, Keyamo sure has his attention well focused on the Industry’s short, medium and long term goals. In this regard, he was also able to address financial bottlenecks that plagued the industry. He played a key role in clearing about $831 million in trapped funds for foreign airlines from 2022 to 2024.
In another bold initiative , the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development also secured approval that requires all VIPs to pay access fees at airports’ toll gates, reflecting dedication to reform, revenue optimization and in line with best practices in many jurisdictions across the world.
Among many other ground-breaking achievements which include the groundbreaking opening ceremony of many domestic airports including those in Zamfara state, and the positive transformation of FAAN, NAMA, NCAA, amongst others, into top-rate parastatals and subordinate agencies, Keyamo’s accomplishments in the last one year has been most spectacular and impressive.
Early Beginning: Impact, foray…
Born in Ughelli, Delta State of Nigeria, Keyamo attended Oharisi(Model) Primary School, Ughelli; Government College, Ughelli; and graduated from the Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University) with an LL.B degree in 1992 .
He was called to the Nigerian Bar on December 15, 1993, and started his legal practice in Gani Fawehinmi Chambers in Lagos at the height of the agitation for the revalidation of the June 2, 1993 election.
There is no doubt that Keyamo have achieved a lot within the tapestry and trajectory of his life is highly commendable. This is a rare and no mean feat. On account of his outstanding performance as a lawyer, he meritoriously earned the exalted title of SAN.
After representing various icons such as Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chief Frank Kokori, and Ken Saro Wiwa, as well as the duo of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Anthony Enahoro, he voluntarily left Gani Fawehinmi Chambers in 1995 to establish his law firm, FESTUS KEYAMO CHAMBERS.
The law firm has since grown with the Head Office at No. 1 Festus Keyamo Lane, Anthony Village, Lagos State, and branches in Abuja and Warri, as well as liaison offices in many states.
He has helped many youths of Delta State in various spheres and has been working closely with his Uvwie community for some years now on several issues including matters on fostering community development.
In recognition of his remarkable performance over time, he was honoured with many awards, which include, Best Single Advocate of Nigeria Law Students, (Taslim Elias Moot Trial Competition) 1992; Honorary Alumni, of various Students’ Associations; Activist of the Year (2001) by the Students Union, University of Jos; Listed in the New Who is Who in Nigeria, 2003; and nominated for the World Medal of Honour, 2003, by the American Biographical Institute, in 2005.
Keyamo was conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Ogba-Uri of Ogor Kingdom (Strong man of the law) in 2005 and Omorokaro of Uvwie Kingdom (The child who leads the way) in 2011 in Delta State.
Conclusion…
There is no doubt that Keyamo’s exceptional track record and accomplishments as Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development reflect a commendable history of meritorious and outstanding service.
