Leadership conference in Accra: The good and the bad

Shola Adekola, Lagos

Diezani Allison-Madueke, Minister of
Transport

THE just concluded 13th Leadership Conference which took place between August 27th and 29th in Accra, Ghana, has come and gone and it will be remembered for many things. The conference which witnessed the gatherings of who is who in aviation industry across the globe was organised by the publisher of the Aviation and Allied Business Journal, Captain Edward Boyo, to identify and promote positive change in aviation practice on the continent by putting Africa first and by facilitating an innovative synergy within the stakeholders of the aviation sub-sector of national economics.

With the theme: “Air Transport in Africa: The future in your hands,” different speakers at the events lamented the bad state of air transport in Africa based on the lack of cooperation among African leaders, coupled with their refusal to implement the Yamooussoukro Decision signed by the African states in 1988.

In his presentation, the Secretary-General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Folly Kossi, remarked, “At this point in time, when Africa has resumed with little success, its debate on the way forward in order to build up its political union, it is our duty as business stakeholders to recall that there would be no meaningful political union or useful continental government unless the continent firstk lays down economic foundations and pave way for economic integration, inter-regional and intra-African trade and tourism.” Lamenting the demise of many African airlines like Ghana Airways, Nigeria Airways and Air Afrique, Kossi attributed the present lack of integration among African states to the collapse of these carriers.

He called on African leaders through the African Union (AU) to implement the Yamoussoukro policy because of its status as a prerequisite to a quick development and enhancement of air services across the African continent. Like Kossi, several speakers on the occasion laid emphasis on the need to salvage the continent. However, while this serious business was going on, it was unfortunate that Nigerian airlines were not adequately represented at such an important gathering where matters affecting them were greatly thrashed.

The Nigerian airlines should have sent their representatives to, at least, make their presence felt even through their presentations, more so, when such an event was organised by one of them. To the surprise of the gathering, when airlines present at the conference were asked to stand up for recognition by Kofi Hennaku, only two airline chiefs; Kayode Odukoya of Bellview and Yemi Osindero of Virgin Nigeria were present out of over 15 airlines operating in the country.

It was unfortunate that the nation’s carriers have decided to take the back seat on issues affecting the future of air transport on the continent. The attitude of the local airlines is nothing to write home about when all stakeholders are doing everything possible to change the face of aviation across Africa, Nigeria inclusive. As if this was not enough, some of the government officials present there fell short of expectations as they were at the event for the sake of jamboree and collection of estacodes as they hardly stayed at the venue of the event when major issues were being discussed. Some even went there to discuss personal businesses with their partners or exchange business plans.

To worsen the situation, some of them even went there to explore their romantic escapades as they came with their mistresses at the expense of the conference which brought them to Accra as they suddenly became lover boys in far away Accra. Some, rather than making their effects felt at the conference, decided to use the period for shopping as they spent most of their time to explore all the markets in Accra. While all these were going on, poor Captain Boyo and others who meant well for air transport were at the venue for the three-day brainstorming on how to move aviation industry in Africa forward.

Moreso, it was discovered that some of the Nigerian airlines which were invited did not turn up for flimsy excuses. Though turn out at the event was impressive, various events which unfolded at the conference left much for concern. However, no matter the distraction, the organisers of the event should not be discouraged as the annual even has become a global one and it is an event which brings Africans together to discuss the state of aviation in Africa.

The organisers have become a force to reckon with in aviation matters even outside Africa, considering the calibre of participants at the annual event from across the world. It is however hoped that important decisions reached at the conference will become a priority on the tables of relevant authorities that attended the conference, particularly the African leaders as promised by the chairman of AU, President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana, who was ably represented by his chief adviser, Mary Chineyesse and the country’s minister of aviation, Gloria Akuffo.

There were six aviation ministers in attendance at the conference, including Nigeria’s minister of air transport, Diezani Alison-Madueke and the senior special adviser to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Captain Shehu Usman Iyal, who were fully on ground throughout the event.