Following the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings, United Nigeria Airlines, a native Nigerian carrier, has paid tribute to his legacy by naming an aircraft in his honour.
The plane, christened “J.J. Rawlings,” completed its maiden journey to Accra on Monday, November 10, coinciding with the airline’s first-ever flight from Abuja, Nigeria, to Accra, Ghana.
“President Rawlings once said he would rather live in the hearts of men than have his name on monuments or streets. Today, that statement has been manifested through the naming of this aircraft,” Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams said at the inaugural ceremony held at Terminal 3, Gate C8.
“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 a good demonstration of what it means,” Mr. Adams noted.
“When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it inspired him to ensure that electricity reached all corners of the country,” he added.
In his speech, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, offered condolences to the Rawlings family on the recent death of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
He noted that plans to mark the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing inspired the airline’s decision to name one of its aircraft after the former Ghanaian leader, who had also served as a trained Air Force pilot.
J.J. Rawlings died on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73.
Professor Okonkwo pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would uphold high standards and contribute meaningfully to aviation development in West Africa.
“We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he affirmed.
Speaking on behalf of the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour expressed their appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines, describing the gesture as a meaningful and enduring tribute.
“This gesture will stay forever. Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds, and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked.
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