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Victoria Bamidele Shin-Aba @60: Untold stories of humble beginnings of an aviation amazon

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By Oluwadamilare Emmanuel

Behind the glorious career fulfilment of some people lie tattered beginnings harsh enough to devour even the strongest of men. While many have shared their grass to grace stories, however, some deliberately left the stories to waste away in memory because of the emotional trauma recalling almost to the present, the forgotten ugly past experiences before success came smiling on them. Truly as they say in this part of the world, ‘Life no balance’. However, it is amazing to know that some people would rather re-arrange the unfavourable condition life throws at them in their favour instead of wallowing in self-pity or blaming others for their misfortune.

The foregoing encapsulates the multidimensional and inspiring story of the immediate past Regional Terminal Manager, (South West), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Victoria Bamidele Shin-Aba, the first female to be so honoured with such a position. Her entry and subsequent growth through the ranks in FAAN to the peak is almost one of a divine arrangement and uncommon courage as she explained in her soon to be launched book ‘My Resilience’. The book launch and her retirement party holds today June 2, 2022, in Lagos

Humble beginnings

Born 31st of August, 1962, Shin-Aba who is due for retirement this week and would be clocking 60 in few months’ time, was barely six months old when she lost her father while they sojourn in faraway Ghana. Apparently, she neither knew nor felt what her father was before he passed. Thanks to the magnanimous love and efforts of a ‘never say never’ mother who despite all the odds, kept to her husband’s words of ‘even if it remains a trouser in my wardrobe, my children must get quality education to keep her six children (including Shin-Aba) on track and ensure their access to quality education with no support system.

However, life did not stop dealing her a big blow despite the loss of her father. From the earlier blunt rejection of her husband, Nasiru Kolawole Shin-Aba by her mum and other family members due to religious differences to his subsequent sickness, loss of sight, depression and death after just an eight-year marital journey that lasted from 1985 to 1993, Shin-Aba has experienced it all. To add to the already piled up horrible situation, she lost her last child, Segun whom she had with her husband during his lowest ebb in life at age 10; days after being diagnosed of cerebral malaria. However, in all of these vicissitudes of life, she remained steadfast and focused despite heated entreaties from friends and families to abandon her sick husband. When she was getting overwhelmed by the myriad of challenges thrown at her at just 37 years of age, her loving mother who later welcomed her husband with open arms encouraged her not to heed evil advice, but rather stick with her husband whom she met a complete man.

In the words of his HRM, Oba (Prof) Akintola John Akintola, who doubles as Professor of Entomology, Biology Department, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the Alapa of Okinapa who wrote the foreword of her book: “The demise of her father at her tender age, which denied her fatherly care, did not deter her from achieving greatness. She was single-handedly trained by her uneducated mother who had a passion for education; and with the help of God, she did not derail on track as many of her peers, who found themselves in such circumstances would have done. There was a repeat of ugly occurrences in her life; she lost her beloved husband along the journey of life. She had to singlehandedly train her children too, due to some challenges in her family. She didn’t allow religion to create a gorge in her immediate family; she managed the challenges with elasticity. When opportunities presented itself in her favour, she was there for everyone, to raise them up within her limited capacity. What a show of love! Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba is a woman of uncommon love and humility. She extended love to all, immediate and distant relations. Her humble beginning came to play in many histories and stories too numerous to mention. This is what many failed to do and had turned up as regret for them after retirement,” Kabiyesi wrote elatedly of the accomplished woman of substance.

Journey to FAAN

While many would have accepted fate and end it all career-wise, Shin-Aba was rather focused all through the challenges. She did not hang her boots or drift to the classroom as many would have expected of her upon completion of her College of Education studies and receipt of her certificate in 1984. She proceeded to obtain her first degrees, and local and international training/certifications while also combining a number of sides hustles especially during the early days of her career in the Agency.

Her journey into FAAN (formerly, Nigeria Airports Authority, NAA) dated back to 1987 as Assistant House Manageress. She joined her husband who was then the Head of Civil Engineering at the Ibadan Airport.

Steady growth through the ranks at FAAN

As typical of any hardworking person, Shin-Aba soon became the cynosure of all eyes in FAAN. She held several positions in the operations department of Authority including; Airfield Operations Officer Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA); Apron Control Officer MMA; Airport Duty Officer ITZ MMA; and Terminal Operations Officer; General Aviation Terminal (GAT); Hajj and Cargo Terminal (HCT) and International Terminal MMA.

She was promoted Manager of the Akure Airport in 2011, a post she held till 2014 when she was redeployed to MMA as Head of Operations.

In September, Shin-Aba scored another first. The FAAN management appointed her as first female Regional General Manager (South West)/Airport Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport and subsequently attaining the rank of a General Manager, Airfield Operations.

As HOD operations, she led the team that prepared MMA for pioneer certification in Nigeria and organised the review and unbundling of MMA technical manuals and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The much-coveted Aerodrome Certification to MMA, issued by NCAA on 15th September 2017 is to the credit of her team. Her experience also came to play during the coronavirus pandemic that grounded flight activities worldwide for months.

Multiple Awards and Recognitions

In recognition of her hard work and selflessness to her fatherland despite the initial setbacks, the Nigerian Aviation Award (NIGAV) in 2018 honoured her with ‘The Airport Personality of the Year 2018’; in same year she also went on to win the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) Award 2018. Most recently she won the ‘Airport Operations of the Year 2021 and Operational Resilience Airport of the Year 2021 Award.

Solving generational problems

Having giving a better part of her life to standing up to challenges against her and others around her, one would have expected her to roll down the sleeves and possibly go on vacation to enjoy her retirement. But Shin-Aba has other plans. As retirement beckons, Shin-Aba hopes to use her time and resources for solving generational problems/challenges. .

“This is the more reason why I have a growing interest in attempting to solve the generational problem through a yet-to-be-unveiled scheme which aims to address human capital empowerment and entrepreneurship development in the community upon my retirement,’ she said in her book.

It is, therefore, the right thing to, in the bobbling spirit of oneness, to roll out the drums and celebrate with a rare woman of courage and virtues, Mrs Victoria Bamidele Shin-Aba as she mark her retirement from service, launch her book today and also mark her 60th birthday in advance.

 

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Kindness Defeats Witchcraft: Apostle Suleman’s Cross-Over Lecture at ‘Mercy Night’

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Evil is very much alive and well in this world. We are reminded of this fact as we see it play out almost often. Although evil occurs and serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that exists within humankind, showing kindness can easily defeat evil acts, which is witchcraft, lectures popular servant of God and General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman.

 

At the ministry’s Cross-Over service on Tuesday 31st of December, 2024 tagged ‘Mercy Night’, the Restoration Apostle, ably present with his wife, Reverend Lizzy Suleman, warned us to “never avenge ourselves”. To the contrary, Apostle Suleman cautions; “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”.

 

Usually, the natural response of man when he is hurt is to hurt back. But, Suleman says “God tells us something different”, quoting Romans 12:19–21: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 

According to the servant of God, not only should you refuse to take revenge, but you should intentionally do good to those who you would consider your enemies. Showing them love and kindness would so confuse and frustrate your enemy that the result would be them turning to God.

“If you want to see witchcraft being rubbished in your life, engage In kindness. To recover means to regaining possession. To recover means a comeback, the return of control. To recover means to improve and to become better. To recover is renewal,” Suleman teaches, suggesting that hate must not define us.

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Lagos History Comes on Screen as Jide Kosoko Shoots Esugbayi Eleko

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In a groundbreaking development for Nigerian cinema, renowned actor and producer, Prince Jide Kosoko is set to bring the compelling story of Lagos’ rich history to life with the production of Esugbayi Eleko. This film promises to be a cinematic exploration of the pivotal events that shaped colonial Lagos, blending drama, history, and cultural pride in a way never seen before.

The film focuses on the life and times of Oba Esugbayi Eleko, Herbert Macaulay and Alimotu Pelewura, some of Lagos’ most iconic figures in colonial Lagos and the absolute support and loyalty of the Idejos to the cause spareheaded by Oba Eleko.

Set in the early 19th century, Esugbayi Eleko delves into the challenges of Oba Esugbayi’s reign during the colonial era, his resistance, alongside Macaulay and Pelewura against British imperialism, and the cultural resilience of the people of Lagos.

Audiences will be transported to a Lagos colony grappling with the intersection of tradition and modernity, as well as the political struggles that defined an era. The movie captures not just the story of a man but the heart and soul of a people fighting for their identity.

What makes this project even more significant is that it is spearheaded by Prince Jide Kosoko, himself a Lagosian and a descendant of royalty. As a Prince of Lagos, Kosoko’s personal connection to the city’s history adds an unparalleled depth and authenticity to the storytelling.

“I have always dreamed of bringing the story of Lagos to the screen in a way that does justice to its complexity and grandeur,” Kosoko said during a press conference. “Oba Esugbayi Eleko was not just a king; he was a symbol of resistance, wisdom, and cultural preservation, these he did with his alliance with Macaulay, a prominent Lagosian and nationalist and Pelewura, one of the most enigmatic market women leaders in history. This story deserves to be told, and it’s a privilege to bring it to life as someone who shares in this heritage.”

Esugbayi Eleko will be one of the first major films to authentically portray part of the history of Lagos and the significant events of the colonial era. Unlike most historical movies that rely on generalized narratives, this production is rooted in meticulous research and deep cultural insights, offering a vivid retelling of key moments that shaped the city’s identity.

Kosoko’s production team has announced that the film will feature some of the best technical hands in the industry. Renowned cinematographers, award-winning set designers, and a host of top-notch costume designers will collaborate to recreate the colonial Lagos of the early 19th century.

“We are committed to authenticity,” Kosoko emphasized. “From the fabrics and architecture to the language and cultural practices, every detail will be carefully curated to ensure the audience is fully immersed in the world of Esugbayi Eleko.”

In addition, the production will employ cutting-edge filmmaking technology, including advanced CGI and motion capture, to seamlessly recreate historical settings and grandiose moments. Lagos of old will be brought to life in breathtaking detail, ensuring that audiences can fully experience the grandeur and challenges of the era.

The film will feature a cast of highly professional role interpreters, many of whom are seasoned veterans of the Nigerian film industry. While specific casting details are still under wraps, industry insiders suggest that the production will include some of the most respected actors, alongside a few emerging stars.

Kosoko also revealed plans to take Esugbayi Eleko beyond Nigerian borders. The film, according to him, will be good enough to participate in major international film festivals and distributed globally, ensuring that Lagos’ story reaches a worldwide audience.

“This is more than just a film; it is a legacy project,” Kosoko concluded. “Lagos is a city of resilience, beauty, and culture, and Esugbayi Eleko is our chance to showcase that to the world. We owe it to ourselves, our ancestors, and future generations to tell this story.”

As anticipation builds for Esugbayi Eleko, it is clear that this production is poised to be a defining moment in Nigerian cinema, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a celebration of Lagos’ enduring legacy.

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Agbado Youths Celebrate Historic Succession, Rally Support for Prince Akintoye as King

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Agbado Community in Ogun State erupted in jubilation on December 27, 2024, as the youths led the town in a grand end-of-year celebration to honor the historic succession of the late patriarch, High Chief Anthony Kayode Akinrinade, by his son, Prince Akintoye Olusola Akinrinade.

The event marked a significant milestone in Agbado’s journey toward justice and stability following a prolonged Obaship crisis that stifled the community’s development for over three decades. The crisis, marked by legal battles and defiance of court orders with suit number CA/IB/75/2020, was recently resolved by the steadfast judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. The court ruled in favor of Prince Akintoye Olusola as the rightful successor, allowing him to continue the legal fight to restore order and dignity to Agbado.

 

For 35 years, Agbado thrived as a hub of agricultural trade and economic prosperity, with 147 villages under its jurisdiction. However, internal strife caused by selfish ambitions led to stagnation and disunity. The High Court delivered a landmark judgment five years ago, but resistance by a self-proclaimed monarch delayed the community’s progress.

On the 30th of October, 2024, the Court of Appeal officially recognized Prince Akintoye Olusola Akinrinade as the ‘Stand-In’ Plaintiff, a move that has rekindled hope for the community. This recognition also symbolizes a continuation of the legacy of the late High Chief Anthony Akinrinade, whose leadership was revered by all.

The festive event, organized by the Agbado Youth Forum, drew dignitaries, elders, chiefs, and community leaders. Baale Patoko, a key figure in the community, expressed optimism about the succession, stating, “The whole of Agbado strongly believes that by 2025, Prince Akintoye will be crowned king, bringing renewed peace and progress to our land.”

Pa Theophilus Amodu, a respected elder, praised Prince Akintoye’s exemplary character, noting, “He has taken after his father in good deeds and enjoys the trust and respect of the people.”

Mr. Amodu, President of the Agbado Youth Forum, echoed this sentiment, affirming the unwavering support of the youth for Prince Akintoye’s emergence as king. “His leadership will undoubtedly usher in peace, harmony, and development in Agbado,” he said.

The event concluded with renewed hope and determination among the people of Agbado, who are confident that Prince Akintoye’s ascension to the throne will mark the beginning of a new era for the community.

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