Adefunke Adeyemi reelected secretary-general of African civil aviation commission

Adefunke Adeyemi has been reelected as the secretary-general of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).

Adeyemi’s re-election was announced on Thursday at the 35th ordinary plenary session held in Brazzaville, Congo.

The secretary-general secured the victory with 22 votes in her favour and seven against, according to a statement by Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister of aviation and aerospace development.

The statement said Adeyemi’s victory reflects the collective confidence of AFCAC member states in her visionary leadership and achievements.

“Central to this success was the instrumental role of Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who is in attendance at on-going conference in Congo Brazzaville,” the statement reads.

“The minister spearheaded strategic diplomatic engagements with African Union member states, rallying support for Ms. Adeyemi’s candidacy.”

“His efforts were pivotal in reinforcing Nigeria’s influence in shaping the continent’s aviation future.”

Speaking after the election, Keyamo described the victory as a triumph for Nigeria and the entire African aviation industry.

“Ms. Adeyemi’s outstanding leadership and innovative vision have positioned AFCAC to deliver transformative progress across the continent,” the minister was quoted as saying.

“Nigeria remains committed to driving the goals of AfCAC and ensuring the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).”

The statement said an election commission was established in accordance with AFCAC’s rules of procedure for plenary meetings to ensure transparency and fairness.

The commission, Moshood said, was made up of representatives from different African Union regions, maintaining a rigorous process.

“Nigeria, under the leadership of Minister Keyamo, played a pivotal role within the West African bloc, securing widespread continental support,” Moshood added.

“As the specialized agency of the African Union, AfCAC oversees civil aviation matters across the continent and serves as the executing body for the Yamassoukro Decision (YD).

“Its primary mandate includes implementing the Single African Air Transport Market, a vision uniting 37 member states to enhance Africa’s aviation competitiveness and connectivity.

“Ms. Adeyemi’s re-election reaffirms her exceptional contributions to the Commission, particularly in fostering integration and sustainable growth in African aviation.

“Her tenure has been marked by groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing air transport efficiency, safety, and collaboration across the continent.”

‘ADEYEMI WILL ADVANCE AFCAC’S OBJECTIVES’

Moshood said with the renewed mandate, Adeyemi will advance AFCAC’s objectives, promoting a robust, unified, and competitive air transport system across Africa.

He said her leadership will keep AFCAC at the forefront of advancing transformative progress in the region’s aviation sector.

The statement said the milestone represents a proud moment for Nigeria, underscoring its unwavering commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation ecosystem and fostering unity across the continent.

After she was first elected, Adeyemi assumed office as secretary-general of the AFCAC on September 1, 2022.