The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged Nigerians to consciously support indigenous airlines and other homegrown businesses, describing the aviation sector as one of the most delicate industries that requires resilience, innovation and sustained public patronage to survive.
Salako-Oyedele made the call on Wednesday in Lagos during the public presentation of "Pathways, Pilgrimage and Destiny: The Biography of Alhaji Muneer Bankole", a book chronicling the life and achievements of the founder and Managing Director of Med-View Airline.
The biography written by Mobolanle Ebunoluwa Sotunsa, chronicles Bankole's journey from his early years to building one of Nigeria's foremost indigenous airlines and becoming a key player in the country's pilgrimage operations.
The book highlights his entrepreneurial vision, leadership, resilience and deep faith, while documenting the obstacles he encountered in the highly regulated aviation industry.
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Speaking at the event, the deputy governor congratulated Bankole on documenting his life's journey, noting that while everyone has a story to tell, only a few have their experiences preserved for future generations.
"Every life has a story, but not every story is documented," she said, adding, "One of the greatest benefits of writing a biography is that it becomes a reference point, not just for family members but for future entrepreneurs, researchers and the wider society."
She said the biography was particularly significant because it captures both the successes and setbacks of Med-View Airline, providing valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and operators in Nigeria's aviation industry.
"Whether we like it or not, Med-View had its challenges. What were those challenges? Upcoming entrepreneurs can learn from them. There are also regulatory challenges because aviation is a very delicate industry," she said.
According to Salako-Oyedele, building and sustaining an airline business in Nigeria demands exceptional courage, discipline and constant attention to operational realities.
"For Alhaji Bankole to have even started an airline shows how industrious he is. That is the story of many Nigerian businesses. You have to keep your fingers on the pulse every day to make sure things continue to go well," she added.
Chairman of the occasion and Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo described Bankola as a quintessential Nigerian who dared where others trembled.
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He recalled that he started Med-View Airline and operated it with a lot of energy, zeal and professionalism.
Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema said Bankole had paid his due in the industry by daring to operate in a less rewarding industry.
He stated that the aviation industry is facing existential challenge, saying many airlines may not survive the next one month.
Bankole attributed his feats in the aviation sector and life in general to God, advising stakeholders not to allow the challenges and harsh conditions dictate their fate and overwhelm their determination to pursue their goals and aspirations.
"There are two things in life that I want to tell colleagues and the people that are yet to learn in life: that no matter the pressure, that you don't give up. No matter the challenges, don't get worried."
