The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), has been honoured with the prestigious Minister of the Decade Award at the centenary celebration of Daily Times, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the ThisDay Dome, Central Business District, Abuja.
The award recognises the Minister’s contributions to the development of infrastructure and transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as well as his commitment to advancing the sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
The landmark event, themed “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: The Daily Times 100 Years Award 1926–2026,” brought together prominent Nigerians, government officials, business leaders, media practitioners and other distinguished guests to celebrate a century of the newspaper’s contribution to national development.
Speaking at the occasion, Keyamo described the centenary celebration as a historic milestone, noting that Daily Times had evolved beyond being a traditional newspaper to embrace digital platforms and other emerging forms of communication.
He commended the Custodian and leadership of Daily Times for their resilience, commitment and sustained contribution to the growth of the newspaper, stressing that its 100-year journey represents an important part of Nigeria’s institutional and media history.
He also expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, particularly the Permanent Secretary, Directors, the Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of the agencies under the Ministry and other members of the Ministry’s team, for their support in advancing the administration’s aviation reform agenda.
He said the collective efforts of the team had contributed significantly to the achievements recorded in the aviation sector, describing them as an essential backbone of the Ministry’s progress.
In his remarks, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Senator, George Akume, congratulated Daily Times on attaining the historic 100-year milestone.
He described the centenary as not only a celebration of the newspaper but also a celebration of Nigerian journalism and a reflection of the country’s national and institutional history.
The President reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to building a stronger nation under the Renewed Hope Agenda, calling for collective efforts towards national development.
He also commended the leadership of Daily Times for successfully marking the centenary and recognised the newspaper’s enduring contribution to Nigeria’s development.
Earlier, the former President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in his keynote address, reflected on his childhood memories of Daily Times, recalling how he watched his father read the newspaper.
He described the centenary as a celebration of the newspaper’s remarkable journey and its role in documenting the history of the nation.
He said, Daily Times has remained more than a source of news, describing the newspaper as a voice to Nigerians and an important part of the nation’s history.
In his welcome address, the Convener of the centenary celebration and Executive Chairman of Folio Media Group, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, warmly welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, dignitaries, media practitioners and other guests to the historic celebration.
Anosike described the centenary as a landmark moment in the history of Daily Times, stressing that the occasion was not merely about celebrating 100 years of the newspaper, but also about laying a solid foundation for its next century.
He reflected on the journey of Daily Times, particularly the challenges surrounding its transition following privatisation and the efforts that went into rebuilding the institution.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the evolution and future of journalism, with contributions from Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and Mr. Chide Obi.
The panellists observed that while the tools and channels of journalism have evolved significantly, the fundamental principles and responsibilities of journalism remain largely unchanged despite the democratisation of information distribution.
The centenary celebration also featured the recognition and honouring of distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have helped shape the nation across various sectors.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development congratulates the management and entire family of Daily Times on this remarkable achievement and wishes the newspaper continued success as it enters its second century of service to Nigeria.
Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu
Director, Press and Public Affairs
