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. (Pic above - Water salute for the SAA Johannesburg-Abuja inaugural flight)
– 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.
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 coulours, sparkling to the high
heavens as the light rays clashed stunningly with the water fountains.
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 artefacts and souvenirs, the delegation also visited the
Abuja arts and craft market.
In the end, SAA
successfully connects Abuja to the tail end of the world #SAAConnectsAbuja
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