:: OKADA AIRLINE

Writing the history of the growth and development of a huge business concern as the Okada Airline outside the full participation and guidance of its Chairman and Managing Director who obviously knows more of the story raises a few problems. The first is with accessibility to the relevant materials and documents in respect of Okada Airline and second; the judicious utilisation of the available sources while keeping the main custodian of such sources more or less out of the picture; all in the bid to enhance a surprise which this work is expected to achieve. Even more important is the problem of the future expectations of the Airline which perhaps only Chief Igbinedion is in the best position to reveal.

The biography has attempted to solve the aforementioned problems by bringing in the Chairman and Managing Director of Okada Airline albeit indirectly through his earlier comments on the aims and objectives of the establishment. As a way of representing Chief Igbinedion on the contents of this Chapter we have endeavoured to reproduce apparently verbatim, his address at the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Airline. Also reproduced in part is the publication titled "Okada Air: A tale of Success" published in the Sunday Times of April 10, 1988.1 The idea is to bring the reader as close as possible to the dreams and realities and the future expectations of the Airline as per Chief Igbinedion himself. Admittedly, what is being reproduced is the statement he made in 1988 when the Airline was just five years old and its founder 54. Today in 1994 when its founder has attained the age of 60 and Airline eleven years, the dreams and expectations of Chief Igbinedion about the Airline are even stronger now than they were then. This is the more reason why the impressions of 1988 should be reproduced to be able to appreciate correctly the relevance of the strides the Airline attained within the last six years.

Keeping faith with the flying public was, and is, the dream realised in respect of Okada Airline. In a previously recorded address the Chairman and Managing Director of the Okada Group of Companies, Chief G.O. Igbinedion had this to say:

The Okada Air First Executive Jet formerly owned by Phillippino President Ferdinand Marcos, deposed in 1987

"The decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria highlights its determination to offer the flying public greater choice, both in the number of certified carriers, and, in the number and variety of routes which will be covered as a consequence. Furthermore, it is a recognition by the administration, of the high quality of service offered by Okada Air, and of its reliability as an independent carrier. We will continue to provide a useful complement to the services of the official carrier, Nigeria Airways.

"Over the past five years, services offered to the air traveller in Nigeria have greatly improved. Our surveys reveal that, most air travellers have noticed more thoughtful consideration being given to passengers' requests. They also show that air travellers are convinced that the attitudinal change has resulted from increased competition and, from the constant monitoring of the quality of airline services by the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA). This is one positive outcome from the introduction of active competition into the airline industry, specifically on the domestic routes.

"New standards of reliability have since been set by Okada Air, which continues to improve on the quality of service. Okada Air's orientation revolves around efficiency, safety, and profitability. We will maintain our lead in this respect and intend to sustain our very high standards of passenger safety, comfort and care. Our service will continually reflect the motto: Keeping Faith With the Flying Public.

"Any airlines success is based on a combination of a number of factors. These include a favourable environment for the operations of its services, the existence of its management and operations staff, well trained flight crew and attendants, and a collaborative and efficient service network.

"No carrier can remain in operation or even run a profitable service if the passenger base does not exist. Neither can it be successful if air travellers have no faith in it. The mutual confidence which exists between us and passengers is the result of the trust built up from their experience in our services. They have played a big part in our success.

"The high service standards set by Okada Air's staff have provided the source of air travellers and Federal Civil Aviation Authority's satisfaction with the airline. I would like here to acknowledge my appreciation of the positive contribution, made by all the airline's staff to our achievements to date and hope they will continue to serve Okada Air faithfully and conscientiously. Particularly, those who started with Okada Air. at its inception, Captain Godwin Njoku (Chief Pilot), Captain Sam Mokwenye, Captain Don Chukwurah, Captain Paul Ejim, Captain Akimbo Johnson, Captain Ade Isikalu, Captain Ernest Bell­Gam, Captain Inameti, Captain Najomo and our German Captain Dieter Schwenn and British Captain Robert Ogden.

The Logo of Okada Air, the famous Benin Ivory mask of Queen Idia discovered in the room of Oba Ovonramwen. British Museum, London

...READ ON

:: OKADA AIRLINE

:: IGBINEDION EDUCATION CENTRE

:: IGBINEDION HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE

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