By Bonaventure Phillips Melah

Festus Keyamo, SAN, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has been formally inducted into the revered league of Honorary Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)—a distinguished circle that has, over the past six decades, admitted only a select group of eminent Nigerians.

The prestigious honour, conferred by the Institute, places the Aviation Minister among an elite class that includes former Presidents; Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor of Niger State, among other national figures recognised for their exceptional contributions to nation-building. With this induction, Keyamo becomes only the 16th Honorary Fellow in the 60-year history of the NIA.

In a citation, the Nigerian Institute of Architects described Keyamo’s induction as a testament to his national impact, visionary leadership, and enduring commitment to infrastructural excellence.

In his remarks at the conferment ceremony, the Dean of the College of Fellows, who represented the NIA President, emphasised that the Honorary Fellowship is reserved strictly for individuals who have demonstrated uncommon excellence, service, and achievement. He praised Keyamo for his transformative role in modernising Nigeria’s aviation landscape—an achievement that has significantly enhanced the architectural and infrastructural fabric of the sector.

He noted that the Minister’s visionary leadership has catalysed the renewal of airport infrastructure, promoted world-class design standards, and strengthened the interface between aviation development and national architecture.

“His efforts in repositioning the aviation industry reflect a deep understanding of functional design, structural aesthetics, and sustainable infrastructure—principles that lie at the heart of architecture,” the Dean said.

In his acceptance speech, the Honourable Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Institute for the rare honour, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. He highlighted the importance of cultural identity in national development, stressing that architecture and urban planning must reflect the soul of the people.

“In our urban development, we must integrate our culture into our town planning,” he stated. “Our spaces must tell our stories. Our buildings must reflect who we are. This is the essence of nationhood, and it is a philosophy I intend to continually champion, especially as we reimagine Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.”

A statement by Tunde Moshood,
Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had it that Keyamo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing aviation infrastructure that embodies innovation, resilience, and cultural relevance while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic transformation.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has explained why it recently honoured the Director General/CEO, of the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike with its Mentorship Award of Excellence.

Anosike was given the award on October 23rd at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoyin, Ogun State during a youth mentorship conference organized by NANS.

In a statement issued Monday, October 28, 2025, NANS said the NiMet DG was honoured for consistently demonstrating exemplary leadership, humility, and generational impact in his service to Nigeria’s youth and emerging entrepreneurs.

Titled ‘Statement by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on the Presentation of Mentorship Award to the Director General of NiMet,’ it stated that the mentorship Anosike has provided to thousands of young Nigerians has paved the way for fresh ideas, empowered individuals, and anchored many on the path of excellence.

According to the statement which was signed by Comrade Adeyemi Samson, NANS National Public Relations Officer- “Young people who have had the privilege of working with him testify to his clear-sighted guidance, rare simplicity of approach, and genuine concern for their personal and professional development. His readiness to extend a helping hand, provide encouragement, and share insights has made a lasting difference.

“In his capacity as a distinguished professor, a man of dignity and repute, and a public servant committed to transformation, Professor Anosike embodies the very essence of mentorship that NANS strives to promote among Nigerian students and youths.

“By this award, NANS affirms its deep respect for Professor Anosike’s consistent efforts in nation-building, youth capacity development, and entrepreneurship support. We are delighted to honor him today and look forward to the many further achievements that will follow from his mentorship and service.

Photo caption: Convener, Nigeria’s Pride Awards/CEO, First Green White Resources, Bonaventure Phillips Melah giving opening remarks at the event

The Convener of Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Mr. Bonaventure Phillips Melah, has called on Nigerians to take pride in the nation’s vast resources, exceptional talents, and global achievements by citizens in the country and in the Diaspora, urging a collective effort to project the country’s positive image to the world.

Melah who is also the CEO of First Green White Resources, delivering his remarks at the award presentation ceremony on Tuesday, September 30th in Abuja, described Nigeria as “an investor’s goldmine and a tourist’s haven”, blessed with immense natural and human resources that remain under-celebrated.

“Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth, is richly endowed with crude oil, gas, gold, zinc, limestone, marble, uranium, and countless other resources,” he said, adding that “With its fertile land, clement weather, and cheerful, welcoming people, our country is truly one of the world’s most promising destinations for investment and tourism.”

He noted that Nigeria’s economy offers strong opportunities in key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, construction, education, and manufacturing — areas that continue to attract both local and foreign investors.

Melah further highlighted the country’s enviable record of producing globally acclaimed figures, including the richest black person in the world, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and world-class professionals making groundbreaking contributions in medicine, science, technology, law, diplomacy, and the arts.

“Though Nigeria is in need of quality leadership, it continues to produce men and women of excellence who are distinguishing themselves across the globe,” he added.

The convener praised the country’s thriving creative industry, describing Nollywood as one of the most powerful cultural exports out of Africa — home to talented actors, directors, and producers whose works have captivated audiences worldwide.

Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Melah said the Nigeria’s Pride Awards was established to spotlight the nation’s achievers, reward quality service, and reshape the narrative about Nigeria.

“The Nigeria’s Pride Awards was founded to celebrate excellence and showcase the numerous positives that define us as a people,” he stated. “It is time the world hears more about the greatness of Nigeria — not just its challenges.”

He said Nigeria’s Pride Awards has become an annual event to be celebrated as a side event to the nation’s independence anniversary and expressed optimism that the platform would become a rallying point for recognizing and encouraging exceptional Nigerians across all walks of life, inspiring others to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“The Nigeria’s Pride Awards was founded to identify, recognize, appreciate and celebrate citizens, other nationals and corporate citizens that distinguish themselves through selfless service, patriotism, exemplary and inspiring leadership and therefore contribute positively to the development, prosperity, peace, unity and security of Nigeria as well as overall wellbeing of humanity,” he said.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the occasion, General Paul Boroh (rtd), said Nigeria’s Pride Awards was a well-thought initiative to honour those who have served the nation well and contributed to nation-building.

He commended the Chief off Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for his efforts in rooting terrorism and other criminalities I the country and suggested that the awards be an annual event.

Minister of Information and National Orientation who was represented by the Director, Publications, Production and Documentation, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, praised CDS Musa for his patriotism and multi-dimensional approach in securing Nigeria. He commended the organisers of the awards for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria and for honouring citizens who have contributed t the development of the nation.

Among those individuals and organisations that were honoured at the event were the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru who received awards in two categories as Best Governor on Road Infrastructure and Best Governor on Community Empowerment; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, OFR- ‘Shield of the Nation,’ Dangote Group- ‘Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa,’ the organisation’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina- Most Impactful Corporate Marketing Officer of the Decade,’ Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN- ‘Most Impactful Minister of the Year,’ DG ACCI Sir Jideani Agabaidu- ‘Most Gender-Inclusive CEO of the Year,’ DG of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Hon. Rinsola Abiola-‘Inspirational Young Corporate CEO of the Year.’ veteran Nollywood personalities Tonto Dikeh, Empress Njamah, Rekiya Ibrahim Attah, Emeka Rollas, Gloria Okafor and Sandra Okunzuwa, among others.