Nigeria’s aviation industry entered a historic chapter on Wednesday as the nation rolled out celebrations for 100 years of aviation, crowned by the inaugural Nigerian International Airshow—a national showcase described as a defining moment for the country’s aerospace ambitions.
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who attended the event as Special Guest of Honour, said the centenary underscored “a century of progress and industry transformation,” noting that Nigeria’s aviation landscape had evolved from humble beginnings to a regional force.
The airshow—organised by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development—featured a high-impact display of aircraft, unmanned systems and emerging aerospace technologies. Aviation analysts described the exhibition as the most ambitious ever staged by the ministry, projecting Nigeria as an emerging hub for aviation innovation on the African continent.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the strategic value of the event, stressing that it had “positioned Nigeria at the forefront of the future of aviation and aerospace engineering.”
He publicly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a new Aviation College in Ondo State, a move he said would strengthen manpower development and supply the next generation of pilots, engineers and safety specialists.
Aiyedatiwa also reserved strong commendation for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, crediting him with providing the bold vision currently repositioning the sector.
According to the governor, Keyamo’s “visionary leadership and unwavering foresight have not only elevated our aviation sector but also inspired a new generation of engineers and innovators across the nation.”
The maiden Nigerian International Airshow forms part of a series of activities marking the country’s aviation centenary—an industry milestone stakeholders say will define Nigeria’s trajectory in global aviation diplomacy, technology adoption and aerospace development.
