On the 27th of January 2016, history was made as South African Airways,
Africa’s leading airline that have won the SkyTrax Awards for the best
African carrier for 13th consecutive years, touched down in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city in the early hours of the morning at exactly 6:15am.
Not that this is the first time SAA is
landing on Nigeria soil, but it is certainly the very first time,
heralding a new chapter in the history of South Africa and Nigeria that
the airline touched down in Abuja – All the works, plans and commitment
of both nations came to fruition as SAA commences Johannesburg-Abuja flight on that epoch day.
The inaugural SAA Johannesburg-Abuja
flight like any other all over the world landed with pomp and
celebration with over 150 passengers which included dignitaries from
both countries, businessmen, private passengers and of course members of
the media.
Water salute for the SAA Johannesburg-Abuja inaugural flight
The Nigerian Fire Service stationed at
the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport became the very first agency to
welcome the aircraft to Abuja with two colourful water tank shower.
South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Lulu Louis Mnguni
received the dignitaries at the SAA check-in counter for a formal mini
ribbon cutting ceremony before heading to the majestic Transcorp Hilton
Hotel in the heart of Abuja business district where the gracious
celebration took place later same evening.
Acting
Chief Executive Officer, South Africa Airways, Musa Zwane (right);
South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni; SAA Board
Member, Yakhe Kwinana; General Manager, Operations Zuks Ramasia; General
Manager Commercial, Aaron Muretsi and Dr John Tambi SAA Board Member
during the Inaugural Flight of South African Airways, Abuja-Johannesburg
Route
In the evening of same day, the fountain
area of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel was beautifully decorated with SAA
blue and red colours, sparkling to the high heavens as the light rays
clashed stunningly with the water fountains.
#SAAConnectsAbuja
The dignitaries and the invited guests
elegantly walked into the venue that have been so well decorated to
celebrate another new positive chapter in the renewed brotherliness of
South Africa and Nigeria.
“We are happy to witness this day in the history of both
South Africa and Nigeria and to deepen Africa Agenda. This truly shows
both countries commitment to the development human and business
relations”,
South African High Commissioner said during his opening speech at the SAA inaugural Johannesburg-Abuja flight launch dinner.
SAA acting Chief Executive Officer, Musa Zwane glaringly a proud man on the occasion of the launch said,
“I am very proud today to stand in front of you on behalf
of our staff to announce the launch of Johannesburg-Abuja route and it
is such a great present for us as we attain 82 years. We have flown here
for 20 years and have seen the growth of the Nigerian market overtime,
hence the decision to fly to Abuja’’.
Senator Hadi Sirika,
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Aviation, who was represented at the
occasion by Mr Hassan Musa, the Director of Air Transport, Ministry of
Transportation, praised the commitment of SAA in ensuring further
integration of South Africa and Nigeria – the two most powerful
economies on the continent of Africa.
He observed that virtually all African
airlines had more than one entry point into Nigeria. Therefore, Sirika
said that Nigeria would work assiduously to ensure the integration of
the African continent through aviation and other sectors.
Lusanda
Jiya, SAA GM Stakeholder Relations presents gift to Mr Hassan Musa, the
Director of Air Transport, Ministry of Transportation
In between the speeches, there were
colourful traditional dance performance from the indigenes of Abuja,
known as the Gbagyi people. The celebration also witnessed stand-up
comedy performance from Buchi, popular Nigerian comedian.
Africa renowned entertainment personality, IK Osakioduwa host of Big Brother Africa added glitz to the event as compere while Praiz, Nigeria soulful singer infused dance and romantic rhythm to the event.
The Johannesburg-Abuja SAA inaugural flight extended beyond celebrations
at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. For two days, South African delegation
toured the city of Abuja exploring all the beautiful sights and sounds
including food.
The delegation started with a visit to
Jevenik Restaurant for a taste of Nigerian menu, then explored the
impregnable Zuma Rock – The rock with human face – just outskirt of the
city of Abuja. Afterwards, the visiting South Africans visited Ushafa
Village (otherwise known as President Bill Clinton Village) where the
delegation danced to the live rhythm of the Gbagyi people, inhabitants
of the village after a special reception by the traditional ruler. The
delegation also witnessed the art of pottery for which the village is
famous. President Bill Clinton had earlier in 2001 put Ushafa Village on
world tourism map by visiting the village alongside his daughter,
Chelsea during his state visit to Nigeria.
South Africa delegation with the Traditional Ruler of Ushafa Village
Undone with exploring the beauty of
Abuja, the South African delegation also visited the new Jabi Lake Mall
constructed and managed by South African firm before arriving the world
renowned Nike Art Gallery where art speaks volume.
To appreciate a variety of handmade artifacts and souvenirs, the delegation also visited the Abuja arts and craft market.
credit: BellaNaija.com
In the end, SAA successfully connects Abuja to the tail end of the world
#SAAConnectsAbuja
