United Nigeria Airlines Honours J.J. Rawlings with Aircraft Named in His Memory
United Nigeria Airlines, one of Nigeria’s leading domestic airlines, has paid tribute to the legacy of Ghana’s late former President, Jerry John Rawlings, by naming one of its aircraft in his honour.
The newly christened “J.J. Rawlings” aircraft made its maiden flight from Abuja to Accra on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking the airline’s first-ever international route into Ghana.
The historic flight carried a high-profile delegation including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; the Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo; senior Nigerian aviation officials, and other dignitaries.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, the aircraft’s name “J.J. Rawling the Legend Lives On” was unveiled by Chief Professor Okonkwo and former Minister of Information Fritz Baffour, who represented the Rawlings family.
Speaking at the brief inaugural ceremony at Terminal 3, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, commended the airline for honouring President Rawlings’ enduring legacy. “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 fulfilled through this touching gesture,” Mr. Adams remarked.
He further said that the tribute reflected Rawlings’ far-reaching influence across Africa. Mr. Adams also recalled Rawlings’ love for aviation and his passion for national development, highlighting how his experiences as a pilot inspired Ghana’s rural electrification drive. “When he flew across the country at night and saw only Accra and Kumasi illuminated, it motivated him to extend electricity to every part of Ghana,” he said.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour expressed deep appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines for the symbolic honour. “This tribute is timeless. It represents the strong Ghana-Nigeria bond a friendship that grows stronger with acts like this,” he said
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour expressed deep appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines for the symbolic honour. “This tribute is timeless. It represents the strong Ghana-Nigeria bond a friendship that grows stronger with acts like this,” he said.
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 called for a minute’s silence in her memory.
He revealed that the idea to dedicate the aircraft emerged during discussions to commemorate the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing. “President Rawlings was not just a great African leader but also a trained Air Force pilot a man whose courage and vision continue to inspire,” Professor Okonkwo stated.
He reaffirmed United Nigeria Airlines’ commitment to operational excellence and regional connectivity, pledging to strengthen aviation cooperation within West Africa.
“Our mission is to build bridges through the skies connecting nations, people, and shared values,” he concluded.
