President Tinubu Renames FG-Owned Airports After Buhari, Others

In a significant move aimed at reforming Nigeria’s aviation sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the renaming of several federal government-owned airports. The decision, detailed in a memo issued by the Federal Ministry of Aviation on June 1, 2023, and signed by Director of Airport Operations, Joke Olatunji, aims to immortalize distinguished Nigerians who have contributed significantly to the nation’s history and development.

The airport renaming initiative demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to recognizing and honoring individuals who have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s progress. Among the airports renamed, the Maiduguri Airport has been dedicated to former President Muhammadu Buhari, acknowledging his impactful leadership during his tenure. Similarly, the Port Harcourt Airport has been renamed after Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent nationalist and one of Nigeria’s founding fathers. The Nasarawa Airport now immortalizes Usman Dan Fodio, the esteemed founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.

President Tinubu’s vision extends to other regions of the country, as evidenced by the renaming of various airports. The Benin Airport now honors the late Oba Akenzua II, paying tribute to his significant contributions to the growth and development of the Benin Kingdom. The Ebonyi Airport stands as a testament to the late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo’s exemplary service to the nation. The Ibadan Airport has been renamed after the late Premier of the old Western Region, Ladoke Akintola, recognizing his immense contributions to regional governance.

The complete list of renamed airports is as follows:

1. Akure Airport – Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu
2. Benin Airport – Oba Akenzua II
3. Dutse Airport – Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi
4. Ebonyi Airport – Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo
5. Gombe Airport – Brigadier Zakari Maimalari
6. Ibadan Airport – Samuel Ladoke Akintola
7. Ilorin Airport – Gen. Tunde Idiagbon
8. Kaduna Airport – Hassan Usman Katsina
9. Maiduguri Airport – Gen. Mumammadu Buhari
10. Makurdi Airport – Joseph Sarwuan Tarka
11. Minna Airport – Mallam Abubakar Imam
12. Nasarawa Airport – Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio
13. Osubi Airport – Alfred Diete Spiff
14. Port Harcourt Airport – Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo
15. Yola Airport – Lamido Aliyu Mustapha

These renamed airports serve as lasting tributes to the exceptional contributions of the individuals they now bear the names of. President Tinubu’s decision not only recognizes their legacies but also celebrates their impact on the nation’s history and progress. The renaming initiative is expected to inspire future generations and promote a sense of national pride in Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diverse accomplishments.