...'cont'd

:: OKADA AIRLINE

Today the hangar provides a useful training ground for young Nigerian aircraft engineers and graduates of aerospace engineering thus helping to solve a vital aspect of the manpower problem in our aircraft industry. Moreover the hangar also serves as maintenance base for the fleet of other competitors such as Gas Air and Hold Trade. Commenting on the state of readiness and safety of Okada Air, its Chairman and Managing Director had this to say:

With good maintenance/spares depot backed by highly skilled engineers that are regularly exposed to modern aviation trends the world over, we have been able to maintain a disaster free record since inception . We hope to keep this record intact

Our fleet of aircraft attract the highest insurance cover in the country and are fully backed by the Lloyds insurance underwriters of the United Kingdom, through their agents National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON).

The Okada Air Girls who brought the airline into national focus

Okada Air's ability to remain in the air, its growth and development have been due largely to the good economic planning and, to an extent, the sagacity of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Okada Group of Companies. But it has often been said that behind every successful endeavour undertaken by every successful man is a good woman. This is even more true in this case. The tremendous contribution made by Lady Cherry Igbinedion to the establishment, growth and development of the Okada Airline is transparent. Right from its birth to date, Okada Air has enjoyed the unalloyed commitment and overall encouragement of Lady Igbinedion who gives meticulous attention to the crew, their appearance, comportment and training; and advises on the acquisition of the aircraft for the fleet.

The success story of the Airline hinges also on the joint contribution of some of the young Igbinedions notably Lucky, Bright and Peter. Lucky was a principal member of the Airline management team until he branched out on his own as the Chairman of Liman Bravo Mortgage Bank Limited. Bright also contibuted immensely to the growth of Okada Air and has been part of the decision making body of the establishment. Similarly Peter Igbinedion has been playing a most vital role in the running and development of the Airline. He joined Okada Air at a young age and has successfully grown along with the airline. He is at present the Director of Operations where he is charged with the daily operations of the Airline.

Mention must be made of the following personalities, officers of the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA), Mr. Felix Alegbeleye of blessed memory who registered the first Okada Air aircraft; Alhaji Mohammed Agbabiaka, Managing Director, Federal Civil Aviation Authority; Dr. Olusegun Demuren, Director, Federal Civil Aviation Authority; Mr. Coker, Kayode Oduselu and Mr. Adebusoye also of the Federal Civil Aviation Authority who to date are responsible for the deregistration of all the Okada fleet and flight safety. Their contributions are a credit to their calling and the Public Service.

Also worthy of mention are all the Philippino aircraft engineers including David Logico, Jose Guray, Monteagudo, Taan, Lapid, Ramiscal and Eugenio. With a team of this quality the Okada Air promises to grow from strength to strength and maintain, successfully, the enviable record it has acquired. Its current staff (1994) strength of 4,300 and a fleet of 36 airplanes in active service are a testimony of the constantly bright future that awaits the Okada Airline. Already Okada Airline has left a history of promptness and efficiency yet unrivalled in the annals of Nigeria's air transportation industry. Today, Okada is synonymous with efficiency in transportation all over Nigeria. From Sokoto and Maiduguri to Lagos and Port Harcourt motor cycle transport are now known as "Okada" in recognition of its ability to beat the traffic and convey the commuter to his destination promptly.

Former Nigerian Vice President Aikhomu inspecting the cockpit of Okada Air's BAC1-11 500

:: OKADA AIRLINE

:: IGBINEDION EDUCATION CENTRE

:: IGBINEDION HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE

Chief Igbinedion greasing the engine of Okada Air's B747

CONCLUSION

This website has attempted to unfold Chief Osawaru Igbinedion from the cradle to manhood and from a humble beginning to a position of enermous affluence...READ ON