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United Nigeria Airlines has named one of its aircraft “J.J. Rawlings” in honour of Ghana’s former President, five years after his death.
The aircraft made its inaugural flight from Abuja to Accra on Monday, 10 November 2025, with several dignitaries on board, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, senior Nigerian aviation officials, and other guests.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Fritz Baffour, former Minister and MP for Ablekuma South, representing the Rawlings family, joined Chief Professor Okonkwo to unveil the aircraft’s inscription: “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.”
At a brief ceremony at Terminal 3, Gate C8, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, praised United Nigeria Airlines for the tribute, noting that it reflected Rawlings’ enduring legacy.
“President Rawlings once said he would rather live in the hearts of men than on monuments or streets. This naming embodies that sentiment,” Mr. Adams said, highlighting the former President’s passion for aviation and linking it to his commitment to the rural electrification programme.
Representing the family, Fritz Baffour described the gesture as a lasting tribute and emphasised the strong bonds between Ghana and Nigeria.
Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo also paid tribute to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, requesting a minute’s silence in her honour.
He explained that the decision to name the aircraft followed discussions marking the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing. Novak, who was also a trained Air Force pilot, inspired the airline to commemorate his contributions. Professor Okonkwo pledged to maintain high standards in airline operations and contribute to aviation development across West Africa.
“We are committed to delivering quality and reliability while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he said.
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