Funding The Future Of Flight: Keyamo, Rewane Set To Ignite Aviation Reform At LAAC Conference

Renowned economist and Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, is set to headline discussions at the 29th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” the event has already generated substantial industry anticipation, with active participation expected from key stakeholders in aviation, finance, and public policy.

According to iReporter Online, Rewane will offer deep economic perspectives on investment flows, macroeconomic policy, and sustainable funding strategies vital to the long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector. His presence is seen as a major boost to the intellectual depth of the conference.

Also confirmed for the event is Gbenga Alade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), who will serve as Conference Chairman. Dr. Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, a respected aviation economist and Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, is billed to deliver a keynote address focusing on the economic realities and structural dynamics within the air transport industry.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is expected to attend in his capacity as Special Guest of Honour, providing critical insight into government policy, sectoral reforms, and financing mechanisms.

His contribution is anticipated to shape ongoing discourse around public-private partnerships and regulatory alignment.

In addition, Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), will deliver a goodwill message on behalf of the regulatory authority, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for aviation investment and oversight.

According to iReporter Online, the technical sessions will feature a panel of seasoned experts from across the aviation value chain, including Alex Nwuba, Chairman of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Chris Aligbe, former GM of Nigeria Airways and CEO of Belujane Konzult; Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Energies Limited; Captain Roland Iyayi, CEO of TopBrass Aviation; Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.

Commenting on final preparations, Wole Shadare, Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, noted that the conference is fully primed to deliver impactful deliberations on aviation financing.

“This edition promises to be one of the most influential gatherings focused on financing in Nigeria’s aviation industry. The inclusion of Bismarck Rewane significantly enriches the agenda,” he stated.

As iReporter Online further gathered, the event will also witness the launch of a commemorative publication titled “Celebrating Champions of Aviation Development,” profiling individuals and institutions that have made enduring contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry since 1999.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”