United Nigeria Airlines has honoured the legacy of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings by naming one of its aircraft after him, five years after his passing.
The “J.J. Rawlings” aircraft made its maiden flight to Accra on Monday, 10 November 2025, marking United Nigeria Airlines’ inaugural Abuja–Accra route. On board were several dignitaries, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of the airline; senior Nigerian aviation officials; and other guests.
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 inaugural ceremony at Terminal 3, Gate C8, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressed gratitude to the airline for honouring the late president.
“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,” Adams said, adding that the gesture demonstrated Rawlings’ enduring influence across Africa.
He also recalled the late president’s passion for flying, linking it to his commitment to Ghana’s rural electrification programme. “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 stated.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour expressed gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines, describing the honour as a lasting 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 address, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo offered condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and requested a minute’s silence in her memory.
He explained that discussions to mark the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing led to the decision to name an aircraft after the former leader, who was also a trained Air Force pilot. Professor Okonkwo pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would uphold high standards and contribute meaningfully to aviation development in West Africa.
“We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he said.
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