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United Nigeria Airlines has paid tribute to the late former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings by naming one of its aircraft in his honour.
The plane, christened “J.J. Rawlings,” made its maiden voyage to Accra on Monday, November 10, marking the airline’s first-ever flight from Abuja, Nigeria, to Ghana’s capital.
Among those on board were Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo; senior Nigerian aviation officials; and other distinguished guests.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, former Minister and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Fritz Baffour, representing the Rawlings family, joined Professor Okonkwo to unveil the inscription on the aircraft — “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.”
A brief ceremony was held at Terminal 3, Gate C8, where Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams expressed gratitude to the airline for honouring Ghana’s former leader.
He recalled Rawlings’ famous words that he preferred to “live in the hearts of men rather than have his name on monuments,” noting that the gesture by United Nigeria Airlines was a fitting reflection of that sentiment.
“Because President Rawlings lives in the hearts of men, he has been recognised even beyond his country. When we say ‘the legend lives on,’ this is exactly what we mean,” Adams remarked.
In his address, Professor Okonkwo offered condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and called for a minute of silence in her honour.
He revealed that the decision to name the aircraft after Rawlings was made during discussions about marking the fifth anniversary of the former president’s death, noting his distinguished background as an Air Force pilot.
Professor Okonkwo pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would continue to uphold excellence and contribute to the growth of the aviation industry in West Africa, in keeping with the legacy of leadership and service that Rawlings embodied.
Source: joynews
