Five years after the passing of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, United Nigeria Airlines, one of Nigeria’s indigenous carriers, has honoured his legacy by naming one of its aircraft after him.
The “J.J. Rawlings” aircraft made its maiden flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking United Nigeria Airlines’ inaugural flight from Abuja to Accra.
On board were several dignitaries, 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 Member of Parliament for representing the Rawlings family, joined Chief Professor Okonkwo to unveil the inscription on the aircraft — “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.”
At a brief inaugural ceremony held at Terminal 3, Gate C8, Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressed appreciation to the airline for honouring the late former President.
“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 gesture demonstrated the enduring influence of President Rawlings across Africa.
“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 noted.
Mr. Adams also recalled the late President’s passion for flying, linking it to his commitment to Ghana’s rural electrification programme.
“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 said.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour conveyed the family’s gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the honour, describing it as a lasting tribute.
“This gesture will stay forever. Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds — and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked.
In his address, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, extended condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and requested a minute’s silence in her memory.
He explained that discussions to commemorate the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing led to the decision to name one of the airline’s aircraft after the former Ghanaian leader, who was also a trained Air Force pilot.
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.
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