Nigeria’s Aliu Becomes First Black ICAO President.
A Nigerian, Dr Olumuyiwa Babatunde Aliu has been elected President of the International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the umbrella world body for Aviation
safety. The election makes him the very first black man ever to head the world
body. He was elected on Novermber 18, 2013 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 up support for the accomplished veteran who has
built invaluable goodwill among ICAO member countries’ representatives.
Aliu’s election also confirms the recognition of the increasing
strength of the Nigerian aviation industry and the Honourable 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 agencies,
the Minister garnered support and pledges from many countries and
regional groups, as well as international aviation stakeholders, such as
Airport Council International (ACI), and the 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
By this election, 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, congratulated the President of Nigeria, the
Honnourable Minister of Aviation and the entire people of Nigeria on this
historic election.
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