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
CAPT. C. Najomo
Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, a seasoned pilot with over thirty (30) years' experience, is the former Director of Air Transport Regulation (DATR).
In the course of his glorious flying career, the new Director attended several courses and trainings both home and overseas. Some of these institutions and certificate courses he attended are Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) Training School, Lagos; Airline Training Institute, California, United States of America (USA); America Eagle Aviation, Long Beach California USA; Point Airline Orly, France; Shorts Brother, Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Pegasus Training Centre, Texas, USA.
At different times, he was Air Traffic Control Assistant for Ilorin Control Tower, Ilorin; Enugu Control Tower, Enugu; and Lagos Control Tower, Lagos. He was also Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Designated Examiner BAC 1-1997-2000; Director of Flight Operations, Okada Airline; and Training Captain/Simulator Instructor of Albarka Airlines. Capt. Chris Najomo belongs to many professional bodies and recipient of numerous awards among which is Best Pilot of the year by NCAA. Until his present appointment, Capt. Najomo was the Chief Pilot for Arik Air.
Director General/Chief Executive Officer (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)
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
Vice President
(AVIC-KDN)
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.
CEO/Founder
(Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited)
MRS. OLUBUNMI OLUWASEUN KUKU
With a remarkable career that spans over two decades, Olubunmi Kuku’s professional journey is a testament to her expertise, leadership and unwavering dedication to the aviation industry.
Kuku’s academic foundation is as impressive as her professional one. Before shattering the glass ceiling at FAAN, Kuku honed her skills in various high-impact roles. Her tenure as Vice President and Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics for Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa saw her drive significant growth and development in the region. She also brought her expertise to Ernst & Young (EY) as a Partner in Business Consulting, showcasing her ability to navigate and transform complex business environments.
Furthermore, 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.Â
Managing Director
(Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria – FAAN)
ENGR. UMAR AHMED FAROUK
Engr. Abatan Gbolahan Olusegun is a seasoned aircraft maintenance engineer and private pilot with great wealth of experience both in line and base maintenance.
He holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership & Strategic Management/2022 Award (Honorary) from Maverick Business Academy, London as well as ICAO Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). Zaria.
Before his appointment as the Director of Air Worthiness Standards (DAWS), Engr. Abatan Gbolahan Olusegun served as the President of Airfirst Nigeria Limited (ANL) and Airfirst Maintenance & Engineering (AFME) carrying out quality aircraft maintenance & engineering, management and several general aviation businesses.
Managing Director
(Nigeria Airspace Management Agency – NAMA)
GEORGE URIESI
After what we thought was an 'early' retirement from a successful corporate career, George took advantage of his vast experience and track record in the Air Transport Industry to become a Consultant and Coach, providing leadership and personal development coaching as well as financial education and aviation management consulting.
After helping to set up a start up airline in Nigeria, he was tasked to help run it until it is successful.
Specialties: Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring, Organizational Development, Airport and Airline Management.
Chief Operating Officer
(Ibom Air)
SINDY FOSTER
Sindy is an aviation analyst with deep knowledge of African aviation, and a strategically focused, marketing & PR specialist with an international client base across multiple industry sectors.
A member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (Aviation Thematic Group), a member of the Aviation Policy and Strategy group in Nigeria, and the Co-Founder of the Space Industry in Africa Working Group.
Principal Managing Partner
(Avaero Capital Partners)
BALAMI ISAAC D.
As an aviator, he is a former National President of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), a position he held for eight years.
He is the CEO OF 7Star Global; a group of companies that is made up of 7Star Global Hangar; The first independent and private aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in West and Central Africa, 7Star Apparels (A big and fast rising Nigerian fashion world) and Buy7Star; a proudly Nigerian e-commerce platform for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
(7Star Global)
DR. ALLEN ONYEMA
In 2013, Onyema founded Air Peace, as a private Nigerian airline. According to him, the business was borne out of the interest to create jobs for people. Although, the process began far back in 2007, but it encountered many hassles. Then, right about when Allen wanted to give up the airline dreams, solution came.
Today, Air Peace provide services to major cities of Nigeria and fly to other international destinations such as; Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, India, China, USA and Gambia. It is one of the biggest airline in Nigeria with series of aircraft including 3 Boeings 777.
Onyema is a philanthropist. He is interested in ensuring peace and tranquility in Nigeria, and has continued to work towards that goal. Firstly, he organised the 1st Nigeria Forever Project in 2005, with the support of the Federal Government. The project which was done to promote broad nationalism as against ethnic nationalism became successful.
Also, he supported the government in putting an end to the Niger Delta militancy and also helped in training the group after amnesty was granted to them. Also, in September 2019, Allen was instrumental in the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa as a result of Xenophobic attack. This act has remained a laudable effort as he was able to converge hundreds of Nigerians willing to return to their dear country.
Chief Executive Officer
(Air Peace Limited)
NNEKA ONYEALI-IKPE
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. I have over 32 years of experience in shaping growth strategies and driving pivotal initiatives within the banking sector.
Throughout my career, I have being involved in executing complex transactions across diverse industries such as Oil & Gas downstream, Manufacturing, Aviation, Real Estate and Exports among others. My expertise spans investment management, financial planning, portfolio optimization management and credit analysis.
I am privileged to lead teams to not only meet but consistently surpass aggressive growth targets. I have the capacity to cultivate productive relationships with stakeholders at every level. I am recognized for my unwavering commitment to designing and propelling ambitious yet achievable strategic growth and sustainability plans.
At the core of my skill set lies visionary leadership. I possess a unique ability to forge and nurture strong, focused teams through adept interpersonal skills, leading by example, and maintaining an unwaveringly fair yet firm stance. My values are rooted in integrity, accountability, and good work ethics.
Chief Executive Officer
(Fidelity Bank)
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.
ORAT Specialist
CAPT. M. NZUZA-JONGWE
Born and bred in Durban, South Africa, she shares a dual first love with Entrepreneurship and Aviation. She comes from a business background as daughter of KwaZulu-Natal prominent and well-respected businesswoman: Musa Nzuza - Nzimande.
Mandisa is a trained and licensed Private Pilot with a particular interest in the development and transformation of the Aviation industry in Africa, and focus on inclusion and accessibility for all races and genders.Â
She holds a business management and marketing qualification from Regent Business School and over 10 years of experience in business development. A key voice in the industry and advocate for equitable gender representation, she was a special guest to the ‘Global Aviation Gender Summit’ hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. She also took part in the ‘South Africa Week Celebrations’ in Lagos Nigeria in 2023 where she represented the Aviation industry in Africa as a panelist at the ‘Trade & Investment Roundtable’.Â
Captain Mandisa Nzuza-Jongwe is a mother, a wife and values family and community above everything.
Chief Executive Officer
(Rhodium Aviation, SA)
ROTIMI MAKANJUOLA
Rotimi Makanjuola is the Chief Operating Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group. He is a strategic minded financial leader with the ability to develop complex financial models that allow executives make strategic decisions throughout the sales cycle to eventual revenue and P&L Management. He collaborates with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Strategy to develop hypotheses leading to new business development opportunities.
He oversees our global operations and, evaluates the financial and strategic impact of new business opportunities including business development strategies, service offerings, technology solutions, and client proposals. He obtained a BSc Economics from University of Bradford, UK and an MSc, Auditing and Management from City Business School, London, UK. He brings to bear his wealth of experience in handling Caverton’s Operations.
Chief Operations Officer
(Caverton Offshore Support Group)
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)
MODERATOR
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.