Five years after the passing of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, United Nigeria Airlines has paid tribute to his enduring legacy by nami
Five years after the passing of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, United Nigeria Airlines has paid tribute to his enduring legacy by naming one of its aircraft in his honor.
The newly named aircraft, “J.J. Rawlings,” made its maiden flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, 2025, coinciding with the airline’s inaugural Abuja–Accra service.
Onboard were several dignitaries, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo; senior Nigerian aviation officials; and other distinguished guests.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, former Minister and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Fritz Baffour, 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 ceremony held at Terminal 3, Gate C8, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressed gratitude to the airline for the thoughtful gesture.
“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 noted that the gesture symbolized the late President’s influence beyond Ghana’s borders.
“Because President Rawlings lives in the hearts of men, he is celebrated even beyond his country. When we say ‘the legend lives on,’ this is a perfect demonstration of that,” he added.
Mr. Adams also recalled Rawlings’ love for aviation, which once inspired his vision to extend electricity access nationwide.
“When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it motivated him to ensure electricity reached every part of the country,” he recounted.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour conveyed their appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines, describing the tribute as both heartfelt and timeless.
“This gesture will endure forever. Ghana and Nigeria share deep bonds — and when we stand together, we are unstoppable,” he said.
In his remarks, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo extended condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, leading guests in a minute’s silence in her memory.
He explained that discussions about the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing inspired the idea to dedicate an aircraft to the late leader, whom he described as a visionary statesman and accomplished Air Force pilot.
Professor Okonkwo reaffirmed United Nigeria Airlines’ commitment to strengthening regional ties through aviation.
“We are dedicated to delivering excellence and reliability in our services while deepening the bond between our two nations,” he stated.