In a surprise move, outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has given his approval to rename 15 airports in Nigeria after influential Nigerians.
News About Nigeria reports that the Ministry of Aviation’s spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi, announced this decision in a statement on Monday morning.
The airports affected by this renaming include Akure International Airport, which will now bear the name of Olumuyiwa Bernard ft Aliu.
Benin International Airport has been renamed Oba Akenzua II. Additionally, Dutse International Airport will now be known as Muhammed Nuhu Sanusi, Ebonyi International Airport as Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo, and Gombe International Airport as Brigadier Zakari Maimalari.
The ministry has also chosen to rename Ibadan International Airport after Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Ilorin International Airport as General Tunde Abdullahi Idiagbon, Kaduna International Airport as Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina, and Maiduguri International Airport after President Muhammadu Buhari.
Furthermore, Makurdi International Airport will bear the name of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, Minna International Airport will be named Mallam Abubakar Imam, Nasarrawa International Airport after Sheikh Usman Danfodio, Osubi International Airport will be known as Alfred Diete Spiff, Port Harcourt International Airport will be renamed Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo, and Yola International Airport will now be called Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Airport.
This decision by President Buhari to rename the airports in honor of prominent Nigerians is an attempt to commemorate and pay tribute to their contributions to the nation.
The new names serve as a recognition of their legacies and achievements in various fields.
The renaming of these airports aims to honor individuals who have left a lasting impact on Nigeria.
It signifies the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of influential figures throughout the country’s history.
By attaching the names of these prominent Nigerians to the airports, their contributions will be remembered and revered by future generations.
This move by the outgoing president has sparked a mix of reactions from the public.
Some applaud the decision, considering it a fitting tribute to the individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.
Others, however, express concerns about the potential cost and logistical challenges associated with changing airport names.
Regardless of the differing opinions, the renaming of these airports highlights the desire to preserve and honor Nigeria’s cultural heritage, as well as recognize the achievements of its notable citizens.
It serves as a reminder of the country’s rich history and the impactful role played by these individuals in shaping Nigeria’s identity.
As the new names become official, travelers and visitors to these airports will encounter a sense of history and legacy upon arrival.
The renaming also signifies a symbolic shift, where the airports will now represent not only physical gateways but also bear the names of individuals who have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s past and present.
