Did you know that the first private airline in Nigeria 🇳🇬 was called “Okada Air”? It was established in 1983 by Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion
Okada Air was an airline based in Benin City, Nigeria. The carrier was established in 1983 with a fleet of BAC-One Eleven 300s. and started charter operations in September the same year, featuring the Queen Idia mask as its official logo. Okada Air operated in 9 local airports in Nigeria.
During its operation, Okada Air was one of the largest independent airlines in Africa. In 1992, Okada Air was granted the right to operate international flights. At one point, it operated the Boeing 747-100 on ad-hoc charter flights across the globe, including flights across the Pacific Ocean. They also transported pilgrims to the Holy Lands every year. Although the airline expanded its operations, it was eventually disestablished in 1997.
