adverts
Five years after the passing of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, Nigerian carrier United Nigeria Airlines has immortalised his legacy by naming one of its aircraft in his honour.
The newly christened “J.J. Rawlings” aircraft made its maiden flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking United Nigeria Airlines’ first-ever commercial flight from Abuja to Accra.
adverts
On board were several high-profile dignitaries, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, and Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, alongside senior Nigerian aviation officials and invited guests.
Upon arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, Fritz Baffour, former Minister of Information and ex-MP for Ablekuma South — representing the Rawlings family — joined Chief Professor Okonkwo to unveil the inscription boldly displayed on the aircraft’s fuselage:
“J.J. Rawlings… The Legend Lives On.”
Speaking at a brief inaugural ceremony held at Terminal 3, Gate C8, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, praised the gesture as a powerful recognition of the late president’s pan-African influence.
“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,” Mr Adams said.
He added that the tribute reflected the enduring impact of Rawlings’ leadership beyond Ghana’s borders.
“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,” he said.
Mr Adams also fondly recalled Rawlings’ love for flying — a passion that influenced his rural electrification drive.
“When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it inspired him to ensure electricity reached every corner of the nation,” he noted.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour expressed deep gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the honour, calling it “a gesture that will stay forever.”
“Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds — and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked to applause.
In his address, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo extended condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and led the gathering in a minute of silence in her memory.
He revealed that the decision to name the aircraft after the late Ghanaian leader emerged during discussions to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Rawlings’ death.
“President Rawlings was a trained Air Force pilot and a towering figure in Africa’s leadership history,” Professor Okonkwo said. “It was only fitting that we honour him in a way that connects his passion for aviation with his contribution to African unity.”
He further pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would continue to promote regional integration and uphold excellence in aviation.
“We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he affirmed.
The “J.J. Rawlings” aircraft now serves as both a flying tribute and a symbol of the deep Ghana–Nigeria friendship — a reminder that legends, indeed, live on.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
