Five years after the passing of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, United Nigeria Airlines, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous carriers, has honoured his enduring legacy by naming one of its aircraft after him.
The newly christened aircraft, “J.J. Rawlings,” made its maiden flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking the airline’s inaugural Abuja–Accra route.
The flight carried 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 appreciation to the airline for the thoughtful honour.
“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 added that the gesture reflected the late President’s lasting influence across the African continent.
“Because President Rawlings lives in the hearts of men, he has been recognised even beyond his country. When we say the legend lives on, this is a good demonstration of what it means,” he noted.
Mr. Adams also recalled the late leader’s passion for aviation and how it inspired his drive to extend electricity nationwide.
“When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it inspired him to ensure that electricity reached all corners of the country,” he recounted.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the gesture, describing it as a fitting and enduring tribute.
“This gesture will stay forever. Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds — and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked.
In his remarks, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, 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 discussions surrounding the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing inspired the decision to dedicate an aircraft in his honour — a man he described as not only a remarkable leader but also a trained Air Force pilot.
Professor Okonkwo reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to excellence and its mission to strengthen regional ties through aviation.
“We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he affirmed.