Wole Shadare, an international award-winning journalist and aviation editor of New Telegraph Newspapers has announced the launch of a new book ” 100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects” , a compendium of facts and figures on the aviation journey so far.
According to a press statement issued by him, the 368-page book which is the first major updated work to give an account of the aviation industry from 1925 to 2025 is probably one of the most important books on 100 Years of Aviation in Nigeria and it will be launched at Golfview Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos on May 23, 2025.
Shadare also said the event will feature the maiden edition of Aviation Metric Colloquium, which will be an annual event, bringing together decision makers to proffer solutions to many issues affecting the aviation industry.
The first edition which will be held under the theme ‘Issues in the growth and development of aviation in Nigeria: A critical perspective’ is expected to critique happenings in the aviation industry and how to tackle the many problems plaguing it.
He disclosed that the book will be reviewed by a Jean Monnet professor of strategy and development, political economist, strategist, and public intellectual and director at the Commonwealth Institute for Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Lagos, Prof. Anthony Kila.
Shadare added that Harold Demuren, Former Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who wrote the preface of the book will deliver a keynote address and general overview of the aviation industry while the chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin is expected to chair the book launch.
He said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo will be the special guest of honour with other high-profile aviation professionals like the director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, managing director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, managing director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr Umar Farouk, former director general, NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren, former President, Aviation Safety Round Table (ART), Dr. Gabriel Olowo, President of Aviation Safety Round Table (ART), Air comm Demola Onitiju (retd), former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Mr Debo Adesina, among others.
“The book, a compendium of facts and figures on the aviation journey so far is a unique source of information for all stakeholders, scholars and researchers who desire to knowhow aviation has evolved over the past 100 years from the first flight that landed in the ancient city of Kano in 1925.
“The book contains valuable information on the industry that aviation professionals, airline operators, service providers, practitioners’, decision makers, students and researchers would find most useful.
“The story of Nigeria’s aviation industry has been put in the correct perspective by the author, using his rich and varied experience and uninhibited access to relevant source materials, historical and contemporary areas of Nigeria’s aviation history,” he said.