A Nigerian, Dr Olumuyiwa Babatunde Aliu has been elected President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the umbrella world body for Aviation safety. He is the first Blackman to head the world body.
According to a statement by FAAN’s General Manager (Communications), Yakubu Dati, he was elected at the 38th Assembly of the organisation in Montreal, Canada by an assembly consisting of 172 countries.
Aliu received full support from the Federal Government and Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora as the Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah led the Nigerian delegation to drum support for the accomplished Aliu who has built invaluable goodwill among ICAO member countries’ representatives.
This massive support for Nigerian representative as membership of ICAO Council by the international aviation community is an acknowledgement of the tremendous efforts the present administration is making to Aliu’s election also confirms the recognition of the increasing strength of Nigerian aviation industry and the Minister’s campaign for his election as President of ICAO Council showed that he is also receiving full support from his home country.
The Minister, while in Canada last month also paid a courtesy call on the out-going President of the Council in his office as part of the strategy to secure his continuous support for Nigeria and also hosted several bilateral meetings with delegates of United States, the European Union and several others.
Accompanied by Director Generals and CEOs of Nigerian aviation parastatals, the Minister garnered support and pledges from many countries and regional groups, as well as international aviation stakeholders, such as Airport Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA).
There was also a robust exchange of ideas on initiatives and programmes for the development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
The 36 members of the ICAO Council constituted the Electoral College for the election of the President of the Council.
Nigeria joined ICAO in 1960 and was elected into the Council of ICAO in 1962 as a Part II member State and the country has since remained on the Council and has continued to promote the interest of Nigeria and Africa on the Council as well as contribute to the sustainable development and growth of civil aviation in the region
Nigeria has become the first African country to produce the President of ICAO Council. Through this position, Nigeria can exert influence in international aviation community for the benefit of the country’s aviation industry and the national economy.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mr George Ossi has congratulated the President of Nigeria, Minister of Aviation and the entire people of Nigeria on this historic election.
