* Say it is an endorsement of Transformation in Aviation Sector
* I will not betray Nigeria's confidence in me - Aliu
Senate President, David Mark, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Hope Uzodinma have all hailed the election of Nigeria's Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, the first African as the President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), saying it is a measure of the global recognition given to the Transformation taking place in the Aviation sector in Nigeria.
The three top government functionaries were speaking Friday in Abuja when Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah led Dr Aliu on a Courtesy Call to Mark, Anyim and Uzodinma in their offices.
While congratulating Aliu, Mark said it is a good thing to encourage capable Nigerians to contest top positions of responsibility wherever they find themselves, and commended the foresight and courage of Aviation Minister for putting forward Dr Aliu's candidature for the election. He urged Aliu to always bear in mind that he is first and foremost, a representative of Nigeria and Africa on the world stage, and should make all effort to keep Nigeria's flag flying high.
''You must always bear in mind that you are first and foremost a representative of Nigeria. You must not disappoint or let us down. Whatever you do would reflect either positively or negatively on Nigeria so you must always strive to do that which will glorify and dignify our nation'', Mark urged the new ICAO helmsman.
The Senate President said the implication of Aliu's Presidency is that Nigeria's aviation sector cannot be seen to be performing below ICAO standards, adding that although aviation all over the world is undergoing some form of turbulence currently, the scenario provides an excellent opportunity for Aliu to leave lasting legacies. He said the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly would avail Dr Aliu all the support he needs to succeed.
Also speaking, Anyim said the election of Aliu as the first African to lead ICAO Council is a great feat and honour to the nation, stressing that it is quite remarkable because it was gotten on merit and not as a concession to Nigeria. He said his election is a further endorsement of not only his candidature by the global civil aviation community, but also the reforms taking place in Nigeria's aviation sector.
The SGF urged Aliu to be diligent in his leadership, pledging the full support of the government and people of Nigeria to his Presidency. He implored Dr Aliu to leverage on his position to help the growth and development of civil aviation in Nigeria, and commended the spirited efforts of Oduah which ensured that Nigeria won the coveted seat.
In his remarks during the Courtesy Call on him, Uzodinma commended the Minister and her team for the election of Aliu, saying his election is an indication that ''the world outside here has confidence in our people and that Nigeria is not lacking in capable technocrats to lead global organisations and institutions''.
He stated that his emergence as a Consensus Candidate shows ''clearly the convergence of opinion and recognition the world has for Nigeria'', and pledged the support of the Senate Aviation Committee to the new President. He said Nigeria needs more Alius', and expressed the hope that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), with the support and guidance of Aliu, would sooner than later attain the same status as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America, USA.
In her Introduction of Aliu at the venues of the Courtesy Visits, Oduah thanked Mark, Anyim and Uzodinma respectively; as well as Nigerians for their support and faith in the Aliu Project, stressing that without the support from the highest chambers in government, the historic election of ''our compatriot would not have been possible''. She further commended the three top government functionaries for the support given to the Transformation Agenda in the Aviation Sector, saying Aliu's emergence is a reflection of that ''unflinching support and faith in our reforms''. She urged them to continue to lend their support to Aliu and the Ministry in order to attain greater heights for Nigeria and Nigerians.
In his remarks also, Aliu thanked President Goodluck Jonathan, Mark, Anyim, Uzodinma as well as the government and people of Nigeria for standing solidly behind him in the election. While dedicating the victory to the entire country, Aliu pledged not to betray the trust and confidence reposed in him by Nigerians and other Member States of ICAO who elected him president. He sued for continued support to to enable him succeed during his tenure.
Joe Obi
SA (Media) to the Hon. Minister of Aviation
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