*Balami congratulates Bunmi Gindeh as the new NAAPE boss*

…….Former NAAPE President and aviation industry leader pledges full support to newly elected union boss.

Prominent Nigerian aviation professional and former President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Engr. Isaac Balami, has congratulated Captain Bunmi Gindeh on his election as the new President of NAAPE, describing him as a seasoned professional who will elevate the association to unprecedented heights.

Captain Gindeh, who serves at the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), emerged victorious in the keenly contested election held on Friday, September 27th in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, polling 51 votes to defeat his rival, Francis Igwe, an aircraft engineer with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who garnered 17 votes.

In his congratulatory message, Balami, who is the CEO of 7Star Global Hangar, a leading aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in West and Central Africa, expressed confidence in the new leadership. The two aviation professionals share a history that dates back to Balami’s tenure as NAAPE President, when Captain Gindeh served as the Branch Chairman of NAAPE at Aero Contractors.

“Captain Bunmi Gindeh is a great man who loves aviation so much. He is a seasoned Captain and has paid his dues in the aviation industry. I have no doubt that Bunmi will take NAAPE to the next level, surpassing its current status. And I want to assure Bunmi that he has my full support and I’m available to support at any level,” Balami stated.

The APC chieftain and founder of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Nigeria’s first specialized aeronautics university, went further to offer strategic counsel to the new NAAPE boss. He encouraged Captain Gindeh to prioritize professionalism and focus on building the reputation of Nigerian pilots and engineers not just within Nigeria but across the African continent.

Balami also advised the new leadership to strengthen NAAPE’s local foundations while simultaneously reaching out to foreign aviation bodies to create partnerships that would benefit Nigerian aviation professionals. This recommendation aligns with the global nature of the aviation industry, where international collaboration and standardization remain critical to professional development and career mobility.

The election also saw Mudi Muhammad, an aircraft engineer at Arik Air, emerge as the national deputy president unopposed, while Adewale Adenugba secured a second term as first trustee. Other elected officials include Edwin Udoh as Financial Secretary, Blessing Ahmadu as Publicity Secretary, and Michael Nicholas as Second Trustee.

In his acceptance speech, Captain Gindeh praised the outgoing administration led by Abednego Galadima, particularly commending the establishment of a training institute. The new president outlined his vision for the association, emphasizing member welfare, standardized contracts across the industry, safety advocacy, and upgrading the secretariat to meet modern standards.

Balami, who is fondly remembered as “Presido” during his tenure as NAAPE President, has remained a towering figure in Nigerian aviation. His 7Star Global Hangar facility has positioned Nigeria as a regional hub for aircraft maintenance in West and Central Africa, while his university project, which recently received presidential approval from President Bola Tinubu after a four-year wait, represents a significant milestone in aviation education on the continent.

The prominent aviation engineer’s endorsement carries considerable weight within the industry, given his track record of leadership and his continued influence in shaping Nigeria’s aviation sector. His willingness to support Captain Gindeh signals a continuity of vision and purpose within NAAPE’s leadership transition.

With Balami’s mentorship and the strong mandate from the election, Captain Gindeh appears well-positioned to write a new chapter in the history of Nigeria’s most prominent aviation union.

As the aviation sector continues to recover from pandemic-era challenges and works toward meeting international standards, the collaboration between established leaders like Balami and emerging voices like Gindeh could prove instrumental in advancing the interests of Nigerian aviation professionals both at home and abroad.