Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has extended warm and heartfelt felicitations to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, SAN, CON, on the occasion of his 56th birthday anniversary, celebrated on January 21, 2026. The goodwill message, released on Wednesday in Asaba through the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, underscores the strong bond between the two prominent Delta sons and highlights Keyamo's multifaceted contributions to law, public service, national development, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and Nigeria.
Born on January 21, 1970, in Ughelli, Delta State, Festus Keyamo has carved an illustrious path that spans legal excellence, human rights advocacy, political activism, and high-level governance. A product of local education—attending Oharisi Model Primary School and Government College Ughelli—he proceeded to Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma, where he earned an LL.B degree with Second Class Upper honours in 1992. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993, Keyamo quickly rose through the ranks of the legal profession, handling high-profile cases and establishing himself as a formidable advocate. In 2017, he was conferred the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a testament to his legal prowess. His additional honours include Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), reflecting his broad influence.
Before entering public office, Keyamo was renowned as a fearless human rights activist and sharp-tongued columnist. He defended democratic principles, critiqued governance lapses, and championed social justice, earning international recognition for his activism. His political journey gained momentum when he served as Director of Strategic Communications for President Muhammadu Buhari's re-election campaign. This paved the way for appointments as Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, then Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and finally, in August 2023, as substantive Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Oborevwori described Chief Keyamo as a "distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, astute public servant, and committed patriot" whose career has positively impacted national development. He particularly lauded the Minister's transformative work in the aviation sector, where Keyamo has prioritized strengthening safety standards, enhancing institutional efficiency, and boosting investor confidence. Under his leadership, the sector has seen renewed focus amid Nigeria's economic reforms. Keyamo's five-point agenda—emphasizing safety compliance (including Nigeria's removal from the Aviation Working Group's watchlist under the Cape Town Convention), infrastructure modernization, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue optimization—has driven tangible progress.
Notable achievements include securing international routes for Nigerian carriers like Air Peace's Lagos-London service, advocating for airport upgrades (with significant capital allocations in budgets, such as the N87.31 billion 2026 aviation budget prioritizing infrastructure), fostering partnerships with global entities like Boeing, and pushing for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in airport modernization, cargo expansion, and establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hubs. These efforts aim to position Nigeria as Africa's aviation hub, reducing capital flight, creating skilled jobs, and improving operational efficiency. Keyamo has also championed automation in air traffic management, resolved labour disputes in the sector, protected staff from undue interference, and promoted transparency in resource management—qualities that have earned him accolades, including the "Super Minister Award" and recognition from industry bodies.
The Governor commended Keyamo's consistency, courage, and professionalism in public office, noting that his leadership has brought visibility and renewed hope to the aviation industry during a pivotal time. Beyond federal duties, Oborevwori praised Keyamo's unwavering commitment to the APC's growth, unity, and consolidation in Delta State and nationwide. As a dependable party leader and bridge-builder, Keyamo has helped strengthen APC structures in a historically PDP-dominated Delta. His political maturity and dedication to democratic ideals have earned respect across divides. Following Governor Oborevwori's own strategic alignment with the APC, Keyamo has been instrumental in rallying members, providing direction, and fostering loyalty to the new leadership, positioning the party for greater influence in the state.
In his message, Governor Oborevwori stated: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Delta State, I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, on the occasion of his 56th anniversary. He is a worthy son of Delta State who has brought pride to our state through his exemplary service to the nation.” The Governor prayed for God's continued guidance, good health, wisdom, and strength for Keyamo, expressing confidence in his ability to render even more impactful service to Nigeria in the years ahead.
This felicitation reflects the cross-party respect and Delta-centric solidarity that transcends political affiliations, especially as both leaders—Oborevwori in state governance and Keyamo in federal aviation—contribute to national progress. Keyamo's birthday celebrations drew widespread tributes from across Nigeria, with admirers highlighting his journey from a vocal critic to a reformist minister whose Midas touch has revitalized a once-challenged sector.
As Nigeria navigates economic recovery and infrastructure renewal, figures like Chief Festus Keyamo embody the blend of intellect, courage, and patriotism needed for sustainable development. His continued service inspires many, particularly young Deltans, proving that dedication to excellence can yield national pride and lasting legacies. The Governor's warm greeting not only marks a personal milestone but also reaffirms the shared vision for a stronger Delta and a thriving Nigeria.
