SPEAKERS - NIA

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

NIA brings to you a host of thought-leadership who are experts and practitioners in their various fields. Become a Speaker!

MR. FESTUS KEYAMO

Festus Egwarewa Keyamo (SAN FCIArb) is a Nigerian lawyer, columnist and human rights activist who serves as the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria.

In April 2018, Keyamo was appointed as the director of Strategic Communications of the 2019 re-election bid of President Buhari[3]and later appointed minister of State for Labour and Employment.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria

MRS. OLUBUNMI OLUWASEUN KUKU

Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, the first female Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) with a remarkable career that spans over two decades. Kuku’s professional journey is a testament to her expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the aviation industry. Kuku honed her skills in various high-impact role including her role as a General Manager at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) overseeing Business Development & Investment underlined her capability in steering organizations towards success.

Her appointment as the Managing Director of FAAN is a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has not only paved the way for future female leaders in aviation but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

Managing Director / CEO
(Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria – FAAN)

CAPT. ALEX BADEH JR

Capt. Alex Sabundu Badeh Jnr. is a multi-talented and resourceful Aviation industry professional with vast Airline and Air Transport management expertise and numerous industry experiences. With a career that spans over 6,000 hours of flight time, Capt. Alex Sabundu Badeh Jnr. has served as a Captain and First Officer on both domestic and international flights.

His expertise is further validated by his possession of FAA and NCAA licenses. He has piloted for major airlines in Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and a major carrier in the United States of America (USA).He has ratings on the Airbus 320 & 330, Boeing 737, Bombardier CRJ, Falcon 2000, and Gulfstream V aircraft and has acquired diverse certifications in the aviation sector worldwide.

Appointed as the Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in December 2023. he has commenced reforming the NSIB by repositioning it with policies, ideas, innovations, and modern technologies that will steer and move the Nigerian transport industry to greater heights.

DG, Chief Executive Officer (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau – NSIB)

CAPT. CHRIS ONA NAJOMO

Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, JP, CMW, DGCA is a distinguished aviation professional with over four decades of experience in leadership, piloting, and regulatory expertise in the industry; he has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and capacity in various roles throughout his career. His extensive qualifications, vast experience, and unwavering commitment to aviation excellence make him a valuable asset to any organization within the industry.

With a total of 24,000 flying hours from 30 years of career, he has flown B727, BACI – II, SE210, CE550, EMB120, B737 (600-900s) and Airbus 330. He is the immediate past Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA. He previously served as the Director, Air Transport Regulation (2022 to 2023).

Before joining the NCAA, Capt. Najomo was the Chief Pilot at Arik Air (2021 to 2022), Line Captain Arik Air, 2008 to 2017. He was NCAA’s Designated Examiner: B727; T.R.E, EMB120 (2007 to 2008).

The DGCA was a onetime Managing Director/CEO, Capital Airline (2005 to 2007) and the Director, FLTOPS, Al'Barkar Airline - Abuja, 2004 to 2005.

Director General/CEO
(Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority – NCAA)

BRIA O. WILLIAMS

Bria O. Williams is a Kaizen-Spirited Executive with hybrid management skills and strategic understanding to drive businesses especially in emerging markets. Bria brings to the table a wealth of knowledge across borders and industries.

She is a successful Entrepreneur and a prolific IT/Business consultant with an in-depth foundation in aviation, innovation and technology. With over 18 years of consulting experience for major international companies across various industries.

A strong innovator abreast with new technology solutions and ideas which she has championed and helped various start-ups, she currently sits on the board of various companies and as a lead mentor in Innovation and Technology for Mentor X-Africa.

Chief Executive Officer
(Nigeria International Airshow – NIA)

ENGR. UMAR AHMED FAROUK

Umar Ahmed Farouk is the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). He is a multitalented, resourceful aviation industry professional with vast aviation expertise.

His industry experience and pedigree acquired in more than 25 years of versatile work exposure, crisscrosses the aviation industry in Nigeria, the UK, Europe, and other continents the UK, Europe and Nigeria gives him hands-on operational, management, and top executive levels.

Umar Ahmed Farouk has strategically grown his career pathway through the core aviation units of aeronautical engineering and one who is well-rounded and grounded in the business of air transportation.

He had received several commendations and awards for his numerous contributions to the smooth running of his agency; a key Federal Government parastatal and by extension, the Federal public service, where over the years, he had shown a high sense of loyalty, and due diligence unparalleled commitment to service and exemplary dedication to duty.

Managing Director
(Nigeria Airspace Management Agency – NAMA)

TIM CHEN

Wide experience in major project and sales acquisition, and general management, project management, key account management, system integration and airport design management.

Specialized in areas of Airport Airside Constructions Projects including Pavement works, Airfield Ground Lighting System, Perimeter System, Security System etc.

Actively participate in the study and preparation of detailed technical specifications as well as execution of projects in live airport environment such as Runway Rehabilitation and Overlay

Founder / Vice President
(AVIC-KDN)

GEORGE URIESI

Mr George Uriesi’s 34-year career includes more than 31 years in aviation, covering airline operations, airport operations, as well as both the safety and economic regulation of the industry.

Starting as a Flight Dispatcher with ADC Airlines in Nigeria, the highlights of his career include stints as a Products Supply Manager at Procter & Gamble South Africa, General Manager, Aviation Safety Promotion at the South African Civil Aviation Authority, General Manager of Cape Town International Airport, South Africa and Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

He has also played active roles in the industry as a member of the International Air Services Council of South Africa and a member of the Economic Regulating Committee for Airports and Air Traffic Control of South Africa. He was also the Chairman of the Board of Cape Town’s destination marketing company, Cape Town Routes Unlimited, and a member of the Board of the Cape Chamber of Commerce, South Africa.

Chief Executive Officer
(Ibom Air)

MR. MARCELO MOTA

A leading ORAT expert (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) on how he set up the operations at the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Angola. With extensive experience in managing the transition from construction to full operational readiness, he can provide a valuable real-world perspective on how to prepare a new airport for safe, efficient, and passenger-ready operations from day one.

Partner / MD
(You as a Manager Training & Consulting Ltd)

CAPT. AHMED B. BORODO

He is a seasoned aviation professional with over a decade of progressive experience spanning Flight operations, safety management, and leadership within both domestic and international aviation environments.

A highly skilled Air Transport Pilot licensed by the NCAA and FAA, he holds multi-engine and instrument ratings and is type-rated on several aircraft including the HS-125, Boeing 737, and Embraer 190. An alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA) with a certificate in Aviation Management, he also holds multiple professional certifications from globally recognized institutions including IATA, CAE, and Flight Safety International.

Founder / CEO
(Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited)

NNEKA ONYEALI-IKPE

Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, a foremost financial institution with a client base of about 9 million customers. Nneka joined Fidelity Bank as an Executive Director in 2015 and was appointed Managing Director/CEO of the Bank in January 2021. Following her appointment, Nneka became the first female MD/CEO in the history of the bank. She is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Kings College, London where she holds a Bachelor of Law and Master of Law respectively.

She has also attended executive training programs at Harvard Business School, The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and IMD amongst others. Nneka is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading female CEOs with a reputation for authentic leadership and proven people skills in identifying talents, opportunities and executing complex business deals. She has extensive business development experience with proficiency in retail, corporate and commercial banking and treasury management among others.

Group Managing Director / CEO
(Fidelity Bank)

ALLEN ONYEMA

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema CON is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur and international business man. He is the chief executive officer of Air Peace Limited, which he established in 2013. Under his leadership, Air Peace has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest private airlines, offering both domestic and international flights.

Onyema views Air Peace not just as a commercial airline, but as a nation-building tool – structured to generate employment and contribute positively to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Chief Executive Officer
(Air Peace Limited)

DR. NKEM OKEKE

Dr. Nkem Okeke is a global serial entrepreneur, investor, global health & economic development strategist. She has a successful career spanning over two decades with expertise in cost containment & financing innovation for a $2 billion portfolio & delivering over $150 cost savings.

Currently through her healthcare companies (Medicalincs & Healthlincs), Dr. Nkem and her team advise and support healthcare government leaders and organizations on strategic solutions to enhance implementation framework strategy, improve operational efficiencies and outcomes, and increase revenue volume/revenue streams. Although Dr. Nkem began & enjoyed her career in clinical practice, she decided to take an unconventional path that combines her love for transformative care delivery, and her passion for business & economic development. She expanded her career from the patient bedside to business administration, to diaspora-backed economic development.

BIND Associates is her brainchild through which she drives an innovative approach to leverage the collective entrepreneurial prowess of high net-worth diaspora firms to drive business growth, investments, & economic growth in Africa. Within the first 17 months of BIND’s existence, under her leadership, BIND is a conglomerate of 20+ diaspora & African businesses and 5 key partners - representing 8 African countries, across 10 industry sectors - with a collective revenue of $250+ million, and trade agreements in 2 African countries – and growing!

She currently serves on a number of boards and advisory councils including: Board Trustee of the Nigeria International Air Show, Black Women's Health Imperative, International Committee Member – DC Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Health Care Commission Advisory Council member on Primary Care Transformation (appointed by the Maryland Secretary of Health, Board Trustee of Lasell Village, Maryland Dental Action Coalition, and Member of the Forbes Business Council.

Founder / CEO
(Medicalincs | BIND Associates)

HOUDA BELGHITH

Houda is highly accomplished and results-driven leader whose nearly 20-year career spans diverse, high-stakes industries, including a significant focus on Aviation, Geo-intelligence, Defense & Security, and more.

Houda holds a Master's Degree in Business Management from Toulouse Business School and is a PMP Certified professional , bringing a unique blend of business growth, strategic marketing expertise and rigorous project management skills to the table. For the past decade, she worked in Europe and Middle East, now fully dedicated to Africa aviation growth.

Africa Business Growth Director
(Airbus)

PROF. OBIORA OKONKWO

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, a recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) awarded him by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, is an accomplished entrepreneur and chairs the board of several companies including United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited.

He holds a Professional Fellowship Doctorate from the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria; and Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and Mediators of Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (FCE), and CareerNation Institute, New York, USA.

Chief Executive Officer
(United Nigeria)

BALAMI ISAAC D.

Renowned aviator and former National President of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Isaac Balami Started his career at Aero Contractors as a Business Manager. He Served eight years as President of NAAPE, where he worked to strengthen the professional standing of Nigerian pilots and engineers. Launched 7 Star Global Hangar, one of the largest private aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in West and Central Africa and also founded 7 Star Global Airlines, a premium charter service gearing towards commercial operations.

He is the Founder of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM): The first specialized private aeronautics university in Africa which offers aviation-focused programs, including pilot licenses (NCAA, EASA) and aircraft maintenance training.

Chief Executive Officer
(7 Star Global Hangar | 7 Star Global Airlines | IBUAM)

OSAM IYAHEN

Osam Iyahen is a Senior Director at AFC. He has led AFC in developing a rapidly expanding its franchise in Sub Saharan-Africa, with over $2B valued landmark transactions in final credit and investment approvals in the last 14 years, with leading sponsors seeking to undertake financing transactions in the oil, gas, mining and associated infrastructure space.

Osam obtained his MBA from the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University (Johnson School of Management) in New York State. He is bilingual, and has presented and moderated various topics at international oil & gas, mining and infrastructure conferences.

Senior Director
(Transport & Logistics – Africa Finance Corporation)

SARA SABRY

Sara Sabry is an Egyptian engineer, entrepreneur, and citizen astronaut who became the first Egyptian, and the first African and Arab woman, to travel to space. She flew on Blue Origin’s NS-22 mission on 4 August 2022 after being selected for Space for Humanity’s Citizen Astronaut Program.

She holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the American University in Cairo and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota, focusing on human spaceflight and spacesuit engineering.

Before her spaceflight, she completed analog astronaut training at the LunAres Research Station in Poland. She is the founder and CEO of the Deep Space Initiative (DSI), a non-profit dedicated to expanding global access to space research and education.

Sabry is widely recognized as a role model for women and youth in STEM, using her platform to promote inclusivity and inspire the next generation of space explorers.

Chief Operating Officer
(Deep Space Initiatives)

DR. ESTHER SHITTU

Dr. Esther Eresi Ayesha Shittu A medical doctor with over 40 years experience. Member of the premier medical class of University of Jos. Apart from basic medical degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Ahmadu Bello University, Basic Aviation Medicine from the Federal Aviation Administration, USA, Advanced Aviation Medicine from Kings College, London Post graduate Competence based training at Singapore Aviation Academy.

Worked and retired from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. Presently working with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority as the Head of Aeromedical Standards.

GM, Aeromedical Standards
(Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority – NCAA)

DR. TASLEEM DILLOO

Dilloo Mohammed Tasleem is a distinguished and visionary leader at the nexus of clinical healthcare, corporate medical technology, and global entrepreneurial innovation. His formidable career, rooted in specialist cardiac nursing and senior roles with MedTech leaders like Medtronic and Livanova, provided the unique insight to found Overseas Medical Care Assistance Ltd (OMCA).

Under his leadership, OMCA has evolved from a premier Mauritian medical service provider into a dynamic international healthcare organisation. Mr. Tasleem has successfully expanded OMCA's operational footprint from its base in Mauritius to establish a significant presence in Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and India. He has forged a robust global network of partner hospitals in world-class medical hubs including India, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Dubai and Turkey.

As a founder of both OMCA and the philanthropic OMCA Foundation, Mr. Tasleem is a compassionate advocate and a strategic innovator dedicated to building capacity and elevating the standards of healthcare in Africa and beyond.

Founder / CEO
(Overseas Medical Care Assistance Ltd – OMCA)

CAPT. IMOLEAYO ADEBULE

Capt. Imoleayo Adebule is the Director of Flight Operations at Aero Contractors, where she oversees all aspects of flight operations, including crew management, operational control, training, and regulatory compliance. Her career includes progressive leadership roles such as Chief Pilot and Flight Technical Officer, during which she strengthened operational standards, advanced safety and efficiency initiatives, and contributed to the airline’s continued growth.

An accomplished pilot on the DHC-8 series and Boeing 737 Classic/NG, she has accumulated over 8,000 flight hours and has significantly contributed to pilot training and development. Capt. Adebule holds both Nigerian and FAA Airline Transport Pilot Licences and has completed advanced professional and management training through the Pan Am Flight Academy, IAGO UK, and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology. She has also completed the IATA–University of St. Gallen Diploma of Advanced Studies in Global Air Transport Management.

Capt. Adebule is recognised for her operational expertise, disciplined leadership, and dedication to advancing excellence within Nigerian aviation.

Director, Flight Operations
(Aero Contractors)

DR. CHUKA V. IMO

Dr. Chuka is an Internationally Aesthetic Board Certified Physician in Advanced Microliposuction & Autologous Fat Techniques, from International Aesthetic Board in Athens, Greece. He also holds a Board Certification in Full Face Injectables from the same Institute.

Dr. Chuka is a star-facilitator with The SkinCare Company (TSC), a thriving medical aesthetics training institute that focuses on training and equipping aesthetic practitioners in Lagos State to comply with regulatory requirements of HEFAMAA as well as align with international best practices.

Currently, he holds the position of Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Skinetics Skincare, an Aesthetic Clinic specialising in the delivery of personalized treatments that enhance natural beauty and promote optimal skin health.

Chief Operating Officer
(Skinetics Skincare)

MODERATORS

ALEX NWUBA

Dr. Alex Nwuba is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s aviation and financial sectors. He currently serves as the President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, advocating for the interests of aviation professionals and stakeholders in the country. In the aviation industry, Dr. Nwuba has held significant leadership roles, including his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Associated Airlines, where he oversaw operations and strategic initiatives.

His expertise extends to corporate finance and public affairs; in 2018, he was appointed as the CEO for Africa operations at Palewater Advisory Group Inc., a multinational firm headquartered in New York. Dr. Nwuba’s influence also reaches the insurance sector. He is a board member at African Alliance Insurance Plc, contributing to the company’s strategic direction and governance.

Throughout his career, Dr. Nwuba has been a vocal advocate for progressive and viable aviation policies in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth and development within the sector. His insights are frequently sought after in discussions concerning national aviation strategies and infrastructure development.

President
(Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria)

OLADI OLUKOLU

Oladi Olukolu is an aviation technologist and business leader with deep experience across ancillary revenue innovation, cabin engineering, and aerospace design & certification. As Chairman of Cabanner and President of PT21 Solutions, he oversees advanced product development, certification strategy, and the delivery of high-value cabin and structural programs for global operators & lessors.

With more than 17 years in aerospace, he has led major cabin upgrades, cabin reconfiguration, proprietary aerospace product development, aircraft repairs, and modification programs across multiple platforms. His background spans flight testing, aircraft systems engineering, and design certification, and he serves as an EASA-approved Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE)for cabin interiors and systems.

He has contributed to the creation of several aerospace products and patented technologies, including next-generation cabin systems for revenue generation and operational efficiency. His work blends engineering rigor with commercial strategy—helping airlines unlock new revenue streams while modernizing and lightening their fleets.

Based in France and Switzerland, he continues to drive innovation in sustainable aerospace, digital cabin technology, and rapid-response engineering solutions for airlines, lessors, and OEM partners.

Chairman / President
(Cabanner | PT21 Solutions)

DR. ADEDAYO (DAYO) OSHOLOWU

Managing Director of KASI Healthcare and Head of the Aeromedical Unit. He is a licenced Physician and Surgeon who has over 19 years experience as an Emergency and Sports Medicine Physician earning and IOC scholarship in Sports medicine Diploma under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee.

He also holds postgraduate diplomas in Aerospace Medicine (Sefako Makgatho Health Science University) and Mass Emergency Medicine (Wits University, Johannesburg). He is an American Heart Association AHA Instructor in BLS and First Aid, he has served as Medical Director for NBA Africa, Clinical Director for Special Olympics Africa and a member of the FIFA Medical Network and Diplomate of the FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, and served as an On-Pitch Physician at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

He is a Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA Designated Aeromedical Examiner and member of the Nigeria International Airshow Emergency & Safety Committee. As head of Kasi Healthcare Aeromedical unit, he leads over 1000 aeromedical, aviation medical exams and emergency care missions across West Africa.

Managing Director
(KASI Healthcare)

FRANKLYN PETERS

Franklyn Peters holds the position of Associate Vice President, Head of Global Funding Desk at PAC Capital, a company which provides services including equity capital markets, debt capital markets & advisory; specialized finance & advisory (infrastructure finance, structured trade finance, regional markets); and technology & advisory.

As Head of the Global Funding Desk, Franklyn Peters oversees raising capital (debt/equity), structuring financing deals — especially cross-border or “global” funding — and coordinating with lenders/investors for projects or transactions handled by PAC Capital.

Associate Vice President
(PAC Capital Limited)

We pride ourselves in putting the leading voices from the Aviation industry in Africa and beyond on stage at our events. We are always looking to collaborate with more founders and CEOs to create engaging content for attendees.

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