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Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and terms like ‘machine learning’, ‘deep learning’, and ‘neural networks’ are no longer confined to research labs or Silicon Valley boardrooms. They are shaping how banks approve loans, how telcos manage customer churn, how oil and gas firms optimise drilling, and even how governments plan infrastructure.

For business executives and the general public, it is crucial to demystify these buzzwords. Understanding them doesn’t mean becoming a data scientist, but it does mean knowing enough to see opportunities, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes.

What is machine learning?

Machine learning (ML) is the foundation of modern artificial intelligence. It’s about teaching computers to learn from data and improve over time without requiring explicit programming.

Using the banking sector as an example. A Nigerian bank handling millions of Naira transactions daily must constantly be vigilant against fraud. Instead of relying on static rules, such as flagging only large transfers, it should adopt dynamic approaches. Machine learning models can spot subtle anomalies, such as a customer suddenly making multiple small transfers late at night or unusual login behaviour from an unknown or foreign device. The system improves and becomes more effective the more transactions it analyses.

For executives, machine learning means transitioning from ‘rules-based’ systems to adaptive ones that evolve in tandem with the business environment.

What is deep learning?

Deep learning is a specialised branch of machine learning inspired by how the human brain processes information. The term ‘deep’ refers to the use of many layers of interconnected processing units. Each layer learns something more complex than the previous one.

Think of it like how a telco manages its vast customer base. A telecom operator with 50 million subscribers wants to predict which customers are likely to switch to competitors. A basic machine learning model might look at call frequency or data usage. However, a deep learning model goes further; it analyses dozens of data points, including network quality, customer complaints, payment patterns, and even social sentiment. With this, the telco can not only predict churn but also design tailored retention offers, saving millions of Naira in lost revenue.

For businesses, deep learning brings a significant change in what’s possible: automating tasks once thought to require human intelligence.

‘For business leaders, the importance of machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks lies in their potential to unlock efficiency and competitiveness.’

Neural networks explained

The engine behind deep learning is the artificial neural network (ANN). Modelled loosely on the human brain’s network of neurones, an ANN consists of nodes (neurones) connected by links. Each connection carries a weight, and as data passes through the network, these weights adjust, strengthening or weakening connections until the system produces reliable results.

In the oil and gas industry, neural networks are already being utilised to enhance exploration and drilling efficiency. Consider an upstream operator analysing seismic data. The data is massive and noisy, but neural networks can learn to detect subtle patterns that point to the presence of oil or gas reserves. The technology helps geologists reduce guesswork, saving millions in drilling costs and minimising environmental risks.

A simple way to think about neural networks is how children learn. If a child touches a hot stove, they quickly avoid it next time. Neural networks operate similarly; they ‘learn’ from errors and improve decisions over time.

Why these matter for business leaders

For business leaders, the importance of machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks lies in their potential to unlock efficiency and competitiveness. Companies that harness these tools can:

Automate repetitive processes, from banking compliance checks to telco billing queries.

Predict market trends by analysing vast volumes of structured and unstructured data.

Enhance customer experience through hyper-personalisation, tailored offers, and faster service.

Reduce risks through fraud detection in finance, predictive maintenance in telecoms, and drilling safety in oil and gas, among others.

At the same time, there are challenges, including data privacy concerns, ethical issues, high implementation costs, and the risk of overhyped expectations. Not every problem requires deep learning; sometimes simpler machine learning approaches work well.

The Human Element (Human in the Loop)

It’s easy to get carried away with the technical jargon, but ultimately, these technologies are tools. They don’t replace human judgement, creativity, or strategic thinking. Instead, they augment them. The best results come when executives combine human insight with machine-driven intelligence.

For example, a retail CEO doesn’t need to code a neural network, but they should know what to ask:

Do we have enough quality data to train an algorithm?

How will AI-driven insights affect customer relationships?

What guardrails do we need to ensure fairness and transparency?

Bottom line

Machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks are not abstract scientific concepts; they are practical tools shaping the present and future of business. From banks tightening fraud prevention to telcos retaining customers to oil and gas companies reducing exploration costs, the applications are tangible and measurable.

The key is not to fear the complexity but to engage with it. Executives who understand the basics will be better positioned to steer their organisations through the ongoing wave of digital transformation.

Just as electricity once transformed industries, intelligent systems powered by machine learning and neural networks are poised to do the same in our time. The question is: will your business adapt early and lead, or lag?

Imagine entering your office tomorrow and discovering that half the processes you once did manually are now handled by artificial intelligence (AI). From screening job applicants to monitoring employee engagement, the future of work is already here, and Nigeria is no exception.

This is the reality painted by the Talent Management Report 3.0 (TMR 3.0), released last week by Phillips Consulting Limited (pcl.). Based on insights from over 500 professionals across multiple industries, in-depth interviews, and benchmarking research, the report uncovers how AI is reshaping how Nigerian organisations attract, develop, and manage their people. The findings are both promising and sobering.

Nigeria is Waking Up to AI, But Slowly

AI adoption is accelerating globally, but in Nigeria, most organisations are still at the shallow end of the curve. According to the report, 88% of organisations are only experimenting with AI, running pilots and small projects, without embedding it into their business strategy. Only 11% have a company-wide AI strategy.

This indicates that, although awareness is high, bold action remainsrare. Organisations see the potential, but many are cautious, sometimes overwhelmed by the complexity or costs of scaling AI.

AI is an Opportunity, Not Just a Threat

One of the most surprising findings is how Nigerian employees perceive AI. Despite fears often portrayed in the media, 72% of professionals view AI as an opportunity, a tool that can enhance productivity, create new roles, and support career growth.

Still, the concerns are real. 24% worry about job losses, and 35% in sectors like oil and gas remain uncertain about what AI means for their future. This mix of optimism and anxiety signals the need for transparent communication and proactive workforce planning.

Where AI is Already Making a Difference

Across industries, some HR functions are emerging as early winners in AI adoption:

Recruitment (42%): AI is streamlining candidate screening, matching CVs with job profiles, and reducing hiring time.

Learning and Development (36%): AI tools are recommending personalised training, helping employees upskill faster.

Career Development (29%) and Performance Management (22%): These are evolving quietly but cautiously due to concerns about fairness and bias.

Retail and e-commerce, for example, are training employees on AI basics but have yet to commit significant budgets. Telecoms struggle with leadership alignment, while Professional Services are clearly ahead, driving job redesign and reskilling.

The Barriers: What’s Stopping Organisations?

If the potential is clear, why aren’t more companies moving faster? The TMR 3.0 identifies four critical obstacles:

Low AI literacy and inadequate training

Data privacy and security risks

High training costs

Limited leadership commitment

In fact, while 73% of organisations say awareness is high, only 39% rate themselves as truly AI-proficient. This ‘knowledge gap’ is one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges in the global competitiveness race.

The Call for Strategic Action

The report makes one thing clear: AI in the workplace is not a passing trend. It is a transformative force. However, success will depend on how Nigerian leaders act now.

Here are some of the strategic moves highlighted:

1. Upskill employees continuously, not with generic courses but practical, role-specific AI training.

2. Prioritise data ethics and privacy, because trust is the currency of digital work.

3. Move from experiments to enterprise strategies, scaling AI beyond pilots into core business functions.

4. Keep HR human, let AI handle routine tasks while leaders focus on empathy, coaching, and culture.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Future

For Nigeria, AI is more than a technology shift. It is an opportunity to shape a more inclusive workforce. If used responsibly, it can help address long-standing challenges, such as making recruitment fairer, providing employees with greater access to learning at scale, and creating new forms of work. However, ignoring it carries real risks. Workers may be displaced, inequality could widen, and organisations may struggle to compete in a digital-first economy.

A Turning Point for Leaders

The TMR 3.0 comes at a pivotal moment. The report doesn’t just present data; it provides a mirror for Nigerian organisations. It challenges leaders to ask:

Are we preparing our people for the future, or leaving them behind?

Are we investing in AI responsibly, or just experimenting?

Are we keeping talent at the heart of our digital strategy?

For HR leaders, CEOs, and policymakers, these are not abstract questions; they are urgent. The future of work is already here. The only question is whether we are ready for it.

Against a backdrop of foreign-exchange volatility, rising ticket prices, and shifting traveller behaviour, Finchglow Travels, one of Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator, brought together leading airlines, travel agencies, and trade partners in Port Harcourt for PartnerPlus Connect (PPC) Live, a high-impact forum designed to spark innovation, share practical tools, and accelerate recovery across Nigeria’s travel industry.

Airlines, travel agencies, and trade partners tackled the big question: how to stay profitable and relevant while demand remains fragile. Conversations moved from candid debates on forex pressures to bold ideas for diversifying revenue streams, showing that PartnerPlus Connect Live is driven by actionable solutions with dialogue as the catalyst.

‘Our goal is to create a platform where airlines and agencies can exchange ideas, confront realities, and leave with solutions they can apply immediately,’ said Ezekiel Ikotun, managing director of Finchglow Travels.

‘This goes beyond ticket sales, it’s a call for resilience and smarter growth across the entire travel value chain.’

Speakers and participants emphasised the need for bold, collaborative thinking as Nigeria’s aviation sector strives for a comprehensive post-pandemic recovery. Travel agents expressed concerns over depressed

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. (Sterling Holdco), the parent company of The Alternative Bank, Sterling Bank, SterlingFI, and a number of other novel business solutions, has witnessed a very positive response to its public offer, as investors rally for a stake in the company’s future.

The public offer, launched on September 17, 2025, has quickly become one of the most talked-about opportunities in the Nigerian financial market, with analysts predicting that the offer will prove to be amongst the most lucrative in the sector’s investment landscape.

The Sterling Public Offer has sparked widespread interest, with market experts noting that the price, which is about 6 percent below its current trading price, presents an attractive entry point for both institutional and retail investors. The offer is set to close soon, but the rapid pace of interest has led many to speculate that the full subscription has already been reached or even exceeded much earlier than expected.

According to leading financial analysts, Sterling Holdco’s strategic expansion plans, solid market position, and innovative financial products have positioned it as a major contender in Nigeria’s banking sector. The public offer is widely regarded as an exciting proposition for investors looking to capitalise on a company with strong fundamentals and an ambitious growth trajectory. With a price point set at a discount to current trading prices, the offer is seen as a compelling opportunity for both long-term and short-term investors.

Sterling Holdco has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. One of the most compelling indicators of the company’s underlying strength is the impressive growth of its share price. In the past year, the Holding company’s share price has grown steadily from N4.00 to nearly N8.00 per share. This increase in the company’s stock price speaks volumes about the underlying value and confidence in its business model, leadership, and growth trajectory.

Sterling Holdco, known for its strategic ownership of two banks, a wealth management company, and a number of innovative consumer businesses, is seeking to raise additional capital through the issuance of 12.58 billion ordinary shares at N7.00 per share. The proceeds from the public offer will be strategically deployed to further strengthen Holdco’s capital base and fund its growth initiatives over the next 36 months.

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy. The group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves, and continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technology-driven financial services.

Apple and Google, two of the world’s biggest tech giants, have turned the spotlight on Maliyo Games, reaffirming the Lagos-based studio’s role as a global champion of African creativity through gaming.

‘This recognition from Apple, alongside our recent feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision. We are proving that African stories belong on the global stage,’ Hugo Obi, founder, Maliyo Games, said.

He said that behind every global spotlight is a growing ecosystem of African talent. According to him, GameUp Africa has become the talent pipeline powering Maliyo’s creativity since its launch in 2021. Now in its fifth year, the program has reached over 6,000 aspiring developers across 20 African countries, equipping young Africans with skills in programming, game art, and audio design.

Obi also disclosed that Apple’s Nigeria Independence Day editorial featured Maliyo’s standout titles; Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter – each blending familiar gameplay mechanics with African-inspired narratives, art, and music.

Earlier this year, Google Play selected Maliyo for its #WeArePlay campaign, a global film series celebrating diverse developers shaping the future of gaming.

The feature tells the story of Hugo Obi, Maliyo’s founder, charting the studio’s journey from Lagos to the world. It highlights not only Maliyo’s portfolio of games but also its groundbreaking talent initiative, GameUp Africa, which is building the next generation of creators on the continent.

‘From the bustling city life of Safari City to the cultural tradition in Whot King, each title embodies authentic African storytelling packaged in mobile-first gameplay. Graduates of the program have gone on to work on acclaimed projects and start their own studios – proof that Maliyo’s commitment to empowering African storytellers through gaming is paying off.’

Obi also disclosed that Maliyo will host its first-ever developer-led gaming conference ‘MaliyoCON’ by December in Lagos, as a convergence for creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore how African stories can drive the next phase of the global gaming industry.

‘By convening industry leaders, Maliyo aims to cement Africa’s role not just as a participant, but as a cultural powerhouse shaping the future of mobile entertainment,’ Obi said.

Glovo, one of the leading tech platforms operating across Europe, Africa, and Central Asia, has reiterated its dedication to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria by providing training, digital tools, and access to opportunities designed to optimise business operations, enhance brand visibility, and boost online sales through its platform.

The company’s commitment was underscored at the latest edition of Glovo Academy in Abuja, an in-person learning and development initiative aimed at equipping local businesses with skills and tools to expand their operations and scale sustainably.

Reni Onafeko, Head of Growth at Glovo Nigeria, emphasised the company’s ongoing support for SMEs by offering advisory services and financial access. She revealed that since Glovo launched in Abuja in 2022, the platform has delivered over one million orders, creating more than N11 billion in value for its partners.

Onafeko further noted a 30% year-on-year increase in orders within Abuja and said Glovo now partners with over 1,000 local restaurants.

She stressed the importance of digital literacy, saying SMEs must embrace it ‘to enable their businesses to expand, formalise and scale sustainably.’

Speaking at a panel discussion, Ifeoma Williams, Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, described MSMEs as the ‘backbone of any economy,’ pointing out that ‘current data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that 40% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product is derived from these small businesses.’

While acknowledging the challenges SMEs face in accessing government loans, she attributed this to a ‘lack of proper structure and the right business plan.’ Williams assured that the federal government is actively working to develop policies that will foster a more supportive business environment.

Tijani Mustapha, founder of Ahmad’s Sharwarma, spoke on operational challenges confronting SMEs, stressing that business owners need resilience to navigate issues with human resources and quality control.

He stressed the importance of technology, stating, ‘Any business we do today must embrace technology. Through technology, we can gather customer feedback, keep the business in check, and improve.’

Kayode Meyanbe, Head of ICT at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs.

He revealed that SMEDAN, in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission, is offering free registration to 250,000 businesses and urged SMEs to seize this chance to formalise their operations. Meyanbe added, ‘As an agency, we have partnered with banks to provide loans at an interest rate below 10% to support their businesses. Not only that, state governments have also been helping us with funds for these SMEs to access our loan facilities.’

He also mentioned that capacity-building training is being provided through Kaduna Business School and Lagos Business School to equip SMEs with essential skills.

Kolawole Adeniyi, head of commercial at Glovo Nigeria, revealed that since the company entered Africa in 2021, it has invested 206 million euros across the continent. He noted that 90% of Glovo’s business partners are SMEs and that the platform has generated N55 billion in direct economic value for these partners.

The event included presentations and training focused on operational excellence, marketing, customer complaint handling, and business and financial literacy, facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan Atlantic University.

These efforts highlight Glovo’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable growth for SMEs within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Ground Handling Companies or Agents (GHAs) are said to be overwhelmed with needless high staff numbers who are just managing inefficiencies across Nigerian Airports.

Concerns have been raised on the need to engage permanent staff to handle each airline’s own system because the tech solutions are either inappropriate, not properly framed and many have now resulted to only perfecting Flight Manifest Message and jettisoning the other needed information such as Notification for Delivery, Received from Flight, Document Identifier without working hard to get these needed information services to the airlines.

Also, old technologies have not been harnessed as at present, although there are attempts to upgrade, upscale, and new technologies with improved solutions (such as user friendliness and more control).

These concerns were raised by Seyi Adewale, chief executive officer, Mainstream Cargo Limited, at the 5th CHINET Aviacargo Conference at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.

During his presentation, he disclosed that different airlines have different tech solutions used by GHAs that negatively impact on costs, manpower utilisation, and overall efficiency in the air-cargo process.

According to Adewale, there is inadequate tech communication between primary segments in the air-cargo business (airline to customs, GHA to airlines, GHA to consignee) and resultant higher charges to consignee (demurrage, pass on running costs, etc).

He further noted that there are higher running costs on airlines that need to have a retinue of ground staff to operate and manage some aspects of the ground handling process, or the inefficiencies.

‘GHAs need to employ a higher number of staff to manage different processes evoked by the airlines because of technological lapses or inadequate or improper communication.

‘Customs’ slower process of clearing or managing their tech platforms (what is the effective resumption time of a Customs officer in the CPC Unit). I dare say from 10 a.m.!’ he said.

He mentioned that there are downtimes due to poor tech infrastructure support (electricity, backups, etc) and last-mile user frustration.

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has relieved commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments.

Fubara announced the decision in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a valedictory session with his cabinet, held as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

The governor said independence remains a milestone in Nigeria’s history and urged citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘Furthermore, the governor has relieved all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect,’ Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesperson, said in a statement.

Fubara then thanked members of his cabinet for their services and pledged to continue leading the state ‘with renewed vigour.’

In February, the Supreme Court recognised the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the authentic legislature. The rival Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction – loyal to Fubara – was not recognised, nullifying its approvals of commissioner nominees and other appointments.

The Amaewhule faction is allied with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Fubara’s estranged political benefactor.

The tussle between both camps had triggered a six-month state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in March. The measure was lifted on September 17, with Tinubu directing Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the assembly to resume duties.

After his return, Fubara said he had reconciled with Wike and called on Rivers residents to embrace peace, stressing that ‘the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.’

Commercial banks’ deposits with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), climbed to a record N5.5 trillion on Tuesday, following the repayment of Open Market Operation (OMO) bills

OMO refers to the buying and selling of government securities in the open market as a tool used to regulate liquidity, control inflation, stabilise interest rates, and maintain overall monetary stability. It is operated by the CBN.

The CBN repaid N731.13 billion to investors on Tuesday, pushing banks’ deposits with their regulator to an all-time high of N5.5 trillion, according to data. The surge followed an earlier increase on Monday, when the SDF reached N5.38 trillion, boosted by excess liquidity from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements and OMO repayments.

In September 2025 alone, the CBN conducted OMO repayments worth N1.2 trillion. These included N731.13 billion on September 30, N254.9 billion on September 23, and N204.9 billion on September 16.

In the OMO bills secondary market on Tuesday, the overall average yield across the curve fell by 44 basis points to 21.00 percent, down from 21.44 percent the previous day, according to FSDH Research. Average yields across short-term, medium-term, and long-term maturities declined by six basis points, 80 basis points, and 48 basis points, respectively. The January 6, 2026 OMO bill saw strong investor demand, with yields dropping by 180 basis points.

Despite the rise in deposits, banks’ opening balance dropped to N2.297.63 trillion on Tuesday, representing a 12.19 percent decline compared to N2.338.97 trillion recorded on Monday.

Nigeria’s broad money supply (M3) surged to an all-time high of N199.5 trillion in August 2025, reflecting the CBN’s tight monetary policy stance aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the economy.

CBN data further show that money supply increased by 11.5 percent year-on-year, reaching N119.52 trillion in August 2025, compared to N107.19 trillion in August 2024. On a monthly basis, it grew by 1.7 percent from N117.49 trillion in June 2025, though the data for July 2025 was not provided.

Currency in circulation recorded a significant decline of 18.84 percent, falling to N4.92 trillion in August 2025 from N4.14 trillion in August 2024. On a month-on-month basis, it declined marginally by 1.6 percent from N5.00 trillion in June 2025, according to the latest CBN data.

Credit to the private sector also contracted, dropping to N73.83 trillion in August 2025, a decline of 1.2 percent compared to N74.73 trillion in August 2024. On a monthly basis, private sector credit fell by three percent from N76.14 trillion in June 2025.

Similarly, credit to the government by banks fell sharply, plummeting by 25.75 percent year-on-year to N23.13 trillion in August 2025 from N31.15 trillion in the same period of 2024. On a month-to-month basis, lenders’ credit to the government declined by 2.48 percent from N23.72 trillion recorded in June 2025.

Commenting on these developments, Aloysius Uche Ordu, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), noted in his personal statement of July 2025 that the monetary base continued to reflect the CBN’s tightening stance, with a moderation in currency in circulation. He added that capital market activities suggested improved transmission of monetary policy, while investor appetite for Nigerian treasury bills remained firm.

Also in her statement at the July 2025 MPC meeting, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, another committee member, observed that monetary aggregates rose, with Broad Money (M3) increasing by 43.65 percent year-to-date in June 2025, largely due to the growth in Net Foreign Assets (NFA). She explained, however, that this factor had minimal impact on inflationary pressures when compared with growth in Net Domestic Assets (NDA), which plays a more direct role in driving inflation.

Samuel Oluwole, the chairman of Precision Aviation Handling Company Limited (PAHCOL), has been conferred with a Doctor of Transport and Logistics Management (honoris causa) by Pebble Hills University, Delaware, in the United States of America (USA).

Oluwole was honoured for his significant contributions to society, especially the nation’s aviation industry, where he had served for over four decades.

He was presented with the honour on Saturday, September 27, 202,5 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, during the fourth Strategic Summit on Good Governance with the theme: ‘The Africa We Deserve: Leadership, Governance, and Collective Progress – The Case of Nigeria,’ held by Pebble Hills University.

Presenting him with the honour, on behalf of the Board of Pebble Hills University, Ezekiel Isidahomen said Oluwole and three others were recognised with the doctorate degrees in various fields following their great achievements and considering their wonderful performance as international business practitioners, motivators and human resource experts.

Isidahomen congratulated the honorees and challenged them to continue to keep the flag flying in their different endeavours.

According to him, the recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees had proven to the university that they were prominent leaders in their various fields and persons of integrity who had demonstrated superior expertise and commitment.

He said: ‘The awardees were selected by the university. The university conducted serious screening and background checks before coming up with only four individuals who deserve their doctorate degree.

In his remark, Oluwole expressed delight with the University for the Recognition of his contributions to the aviation industry and leadership in Nigeria.

He described the recognition as a great and monumental moment, stressing that the recognition would inspire him to do more for society, especially the aviation industry where he belongs.

He assured the university and the players in Nigeria’s aviation industry of consistency in always ensuring the continued growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He added: ‘I thank God that one is able to achieve this and thankful to my family. One has been able to attain a lot of things through the support of my family.’

Talking about the Nigerian aviation industry 65 years after independence, Oluwole said that the sector had come, yet with more to do especially in the area of domestic airline operators.

He emphasised that 40 years after the regularisation of the sector, flight delays and cancellations were still on the high side even after the liquidation of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways.